HC Deb 27 March 1945 vol 409 cc1300-1
43. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to state the precise status of the Judģe-Advocate General; whether he is a military officer or a civil servant; what duties are imposed on him beyond those already indicated; and whether he receives any recompense for this additional work.

Sir J. Griģģ

This is a civilian appointment. The holder has Civil Service status, but is not a civil servant in the normal sense of the term. It has fallen to him in the course of the war to provide from his judicial staff, judģe-advocates to act at trials by military courts, as well as at trials by courts-martial, but his remuneration has not been increased by reason of any additional work resulting from this additional responsibility. Many officials in war-time have to undertake additional work arising only in war, without any alteration of their salaries.

Sir T. Moore

As the financial position of this official appears to be somewhat involved, does he get a pension?

Sir J. Griģģ

I am not sure; I would like notice of that question.

Sir Herbert Williams

What is the nature of a person who is not a civil servant but has a civil servant's status?

Sir J. Griģģ

That I admit is a little vague. I think it means that his conditions of service are those of a civil servant, but that he is not a civil servant in the ordinary sense of the term.