§ 41. Mr. Martin Lindsayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what appointment in the Control Commission for Germany has been given to Mr. J. R. S. Middleton; what salary this appointment carries; and whether the selection for it was competitive.
Mr. McNeilI assume the hon. Member is referring to Mr. J. R. S. Middlewood who has recently been appointed a chief control officer in the manpower division of the Control Commission for Germany to assist in supervising the development of a trade union movement in Germany. The appointment, which carries a salary of £1,600 with the usual allowances for service in Germany, was made after a number of candidates had been considered.
§ Mr. LindsayIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man has now got an appointment at five times his present salary, that the appointment has caused widespread annoyance in the county of Durham, and that he only received this appointment because he is chairman of the Labour Party for the Bishop Auckland Division?
Mr. McNeilI sharply resent any such imputation. The man appointed has had a lifetime of expert experience in the trade union movement and in local government. I am not aware what salary he presently enjoys, but I know that he is competent to do the job which must be done in Germany.