§ 38. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Lord Privy Seal how many additional Clerks have been recruited for the service of House of Commons committees; and whether the total number of Clerks will now be up to establishment.
§ Mr. PeartTwo new Clerks were appointed on 1st August last, and the appointment of a temporary clerk has been extended. The total number of clerks is now thirty-nine. Two new higher executive officer posts have also been authorised, to assist in the work of Committees. It is hoped that during the coming Session it will be possible to increase the total number of clerks up to the establishment of 42.
§ Mr. HamiltonDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that meanwhile the Clerks in post are under a great deal of unnecessary pressure, brought on by the fact that we are under establishment? Can he say whether this state of affairs will inhibit the Government in establishing further Specialist Committees, which have been such a hopeful development of the last year or so?
§ Mr. PeartI appreciate the positive approach of my hon. Friend. I think he is right about this matter. Inevitably the number of Clerks—and the Clerks give great service to the House—affects the setting up of Specialist Committees. I am aware of this, and I am continually in touch with the Chancellor on this matter. I take my hon. Friend's point.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWas not the complement of 42 to which the right hon. Gentleman referred laid down before the decision to expand the number of Select and Specialist Committees, and is not the whole working of that system, whatever view one takes of it, being prejudiced by the inadequate number of extremely hard-worked Clerks?
§ Mr. PeartYes, the right hon. Gentleman is quite right, and I accept this. That is why, as I have said, I am in touch with the Chancellor. This is a very important matter. Hon. Members who are so enthusiastic about reforms forget that we must have the staff to meet these requirements.