HC Deb 04 May 1950 vol 474 cc1899-900
58. Mr. Emrys Roberts

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give full details of the sums of £7,105 and £1,798, representing salaries and travelling expenses respectively, paid by the Welsh Agricultural Land Sub-Commission in the year ended 31st March, 1949.

Mr. T. Williams

The sum of £7,105 represents the salaries apportioned to management of the Chairman and members of the Welsh Agricultural Land Sub-Commission, the general staff of the Sub-Commission, and the resident estate staff including workmen. The sum of £1,798 represents the travelling expenses actually incurred on management work by the same groups.

Mr. Roberts

Is not it a fact that these salaries and travelling expenses, which are purely administrative expenses, now exceed the total rents of the Commission, and will the Minister give an assurance that the rents of the tenants will not be raised to meet these purely administrative expenses?

Mr. Williams

I cannot give any such assurance. As the hon. Member is aware, remits are constantly given to the Land Commission and to the Land Sub-Commission to enable them to travel about their area to see, where the Minister is in search of guidance, whether or not a piece of land should be purchased.

Mr. Roberts

In that event, will the Minister tell the House how much is paid to each official of the Commission, including the chairman and other members?

Mr. Williams

It is very irregular.

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