HC Deb 13 July 1954 vol 530 cc280-2
47. Mr. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister if he will give details of the membership of the party which accompanied him on his recent trip to the United States of America; and what was the total cost of this visit, giving separately the costs in respect of Ministers, other honourable Members and civil servants.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have been asked to reply.

The party consisted of my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, the noble Lords, Lord Cherwell and Lord Moran, the hon. and gallant Member for Bedford (Captain Soames), Sir Edwin Plowden, Sir Harold Caccia, Mr. Allen, Mr. Colville, Sir Anthony Rumbold, four secretaries, two detectives, two cypher officers, two security officers and two personal servants.

The cost of the aircraft chartered for the party was £4,255. The other costs, including travel and subsistence, amounted to: Ministers, £1,409; the hon. and gallant Member, £259; civil servants and others, £4,100. The total cost, therefore, amounted to £10,023.

Mr. Lewis

Whilst not in any way wishing to comment adversely on the amount spent, may I be assured that none of the Ministers, civil servants, or any who went on that trip to the U.S.A. had to meet any part of the cost out of their respective personal salaries whilst performing their public duties, as Members of Parliament have to do here?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have no information on that point.