§ 42. Lieut-Commander Braithwaiteasked the Minister of Health when authority was granted to his Department to defray expenses of recipients of honours and their relatives when attending investitures.
§ Mr. MarquandIn February, 1941.
§ Lieut-Commander BraithwaiteCan the right hon. Gentleman say why it is that within the last few weeks an unofficial letter signed by one of his Assistant Secretaries and addressed to the clerks of local authorities by name has been sent out. and whether this expense has been authorised for this year?
§ Mr. MarquandBecause His Majesty has thought fit to arrange some investitures at the Palace which were not held there during the war years.
§ Mr. KeelingI understand that this Question was originally put down to the Treasury and was transferred to the Ministry of Health. As it has nothing 655 whatever to do with the present functions of the Minister of Health, but is based on a circular sent to the clerks of all local authorities, why has it been answered by the Minister of Health and not by the Minister of Local Government and Planning?
§ Mr. MarquandI answered the Question which, as far as I know, was put down to me.
§ Mr. KeelingNo.
§ Mr. MarquandAs far as I know, it was put down to me. I answered the Question which I saw on the Order Paper. I do, in fact, pay these expenses, where claimed, to persons who have been recommended by my predecessor. I have not yet had time to recommend any myself.
§ Lieut-Commander BraithwaiteIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I did, in fact, put down the Question to the Treasury and that it was transferred to him? Now that he has been good enough to answer it, will he say on what Vote this expenditure is carried and when it was approved by the House?
§ Mr. MarquandExpenditure which I make is carried on the Vote of my Department. I am not responsible for whether a Question is transferred. I merely answer the Questions which are addressed to me.