§ 45. Mr. Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether it is still the rule that Members of Her Majesty's Government should not hold any other paid appointment whilst enjoying the pleasure of Her Majesty's Seal of Office.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Anthony Eden)The general principles governing these matters have been well known for many years. They were last formulated by my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) in this House on 25th February, 1952.
§ Mr. LewisYes, but can the Prime Minister say whether or not that would 2208 apply to such questions as the Foreign Secretary holding the Recordership for Wigan and the hon. and learned Gentleman the Solicitor-General holding the Recordership for Huddersfield and Hull, both of which carry, according to an Answer I received this week, salaries of £210 and £400 a year, respectively? Surely it is wrong that Ministers of the Crown should hold Recorderships, and receive payment for them, in addition to their Ministerial positions?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not know where the hon. Gentleman got his information. I have ascertained that my right hon. Friend and my hon. and learned Friend, who held Recorderships, relinquished them immediately on assuming Ministerial office.
§ Mr. LewisCan I, in explanation, Sir, say to you and the House, that the Attorney-General said in reply to my Question, "appointments held". From that reply I naturally assumed, as my Question asked whether they were held, and the hon. and learned Gentleman said "They are held", that the Ministers concerned were still holding the positions.
§ The Prime MinisterI hope that now, in view of my answer, we can all live happily ever after.