HC Deb 18 May 1944 vol 400 cc334-5
37. Mr. Thorne

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many Members of Parliament are away on Government business, giving the day and date when they left this country and the country to which they have been sent; what expenses are allowed per day over and above their parliamentary salary; and if Income Tax is paid on these expenses.

Mr. Assheton

Apart from those serving in H.M. Forces, eight Members of this House are engaged on Government business overseas. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list showing the dates when they left this country, the places where they are serving, and the salaries and expenses payable to them from United Kingdom funds. Any reimbursement of expenses actually incurred by them within the limits authorised would not be liable to tax.

Mr. Thorne

I wanted to find out the divisions represented by the Members in question. I take it I shall have to consult "Dod's Parliamentary Companion."

Mr. McGovern

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that nothing is done to curb any of these joyful trips, undertaken by Members of the House, if their journeys are really necessary?

Mr. Assheton

I was asked about those who have gone on Government business.

Mr. George Griffiths

What were the expenses of the hon. Member who put the last question, when he had a joy-trip to Ireland?

Mr. McGovern

I was only raising the question of those engaged on Government or House business. Any trips that I have made to Ireland, or anywhere else, have been paid for out of my own pocket.

Following is the list:

Name of Member. Date of departure Present Appointment. Salary per annum. Expenses per annum.
1 Rt. Hon. Alfred Duff Cooper. 2. 1.44 Representative of H.M.G. with French Committee of National Liberation. £2,500 £3,050*.
2 Rt. Hon. Sir Ronald Cross, Bt. 3. 6.41 U.K. High Commissioner in Australia. £2,500 £3,500* representation allowance. £520 approx. on travelling expenses and subsistence in 42/43.
3 Rt. Hon. Sir Samuel Hoare, Bt. 29. 5.40 H.M. Ambassador at Madrid — £8,100*.
4 Rt. Hon. Malcolm Macdonald 21. 3.41 U.K. High Commissioner in Canada. £2,500 £2,500* representation allowance £400 approx. on travelling expenses and subsistence in 42/43.
5 Hon. J. S. Maclay. 10. 4.41 Head of British Merchant Shipping Mission in U.S. Nil £1,800 (inclusive of usual Mission allowance).
6 Rt. Hon. Harold Macmillan. 31.12.42 Minister Resident at Allied Force Hqs. Mediterranean Command. £3,000 £3.000*.
7 Rt. Hon. Ben Smith. 24.11.43 Minister Resident in Washington for Supply. £3,000 £6,800 global representation allce. (inclusive of rent allce.).
8 Sir E. L. Spears 14.3.42 Minister to Syria and Lebanon. £2,000 £4,800*.
* Indicates that furnished accommodation is provided in addition.