HC Deb 04 May 1960 vol 622 cc1065-6
19. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for War what contribution is made by the Bank of England towards the transport and pay of the military picket provided for the Bank.

27. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for War on how many occasions during the month of April the military picket has marched to and from the Bank of England; what alternative methods of transport were provided; and to what extent such transport is paid for from public funds.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Christopher Soames)

The greatcoats and personal kit of the Bank picket are taken by a lorry in which the men also ride in wet weather, as on three occasions in April. The cost of the petrol is borne by public funds.

The Bank of England do not contribute to the pay of the guard, but make a separate allowance to the N.C.Os. and men.

Mr. Langford-Holt

While one appreciates the ceremonial functions of the Brigade of Guards being necessary, is it not quite wrong that the cost of this guard, which must be £10,000 a year in pay alone, should be borne by the War Office and not by the Bank of England, which, after all, is a commercial concern?

Mr. Soames

No, Sir. The men are needed at all events and it is wrong to suppose that they are employed only by virtue of the fact that a Bank picket is needed. The Bank makes an allowance to the men on picket, which is much appreciated by the men. My attention has been drawn to a diary of a field officer of the Brigade of Guards, who, writing in 1800 about this remuneration, spoke of "effusions of liberality" and a gratuity flowing from the spring of beneficent minds venting themselves in munificence.

Mr. Lipton

We do not want to know about what happened in 1800. When is the right hon. Gentleman to make an end of this nonsense? Did not the Secretary of State hear the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday making a pledge to curb State spending? Could we not make a start with this balderdash?

Mr. Soames

The only expenditure which would not take place anyhow is the cost of the petrol of the lorry which takes the men's kit to the Bank of England, and that is not very great.