HC Deb 01 July 1974 vol 876 c17
9. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will define the functions and give the salary of the trade union adviser whose appointment was made known in his note on the current work programme of his Department.

Mr. Benn

Mr. K. J. Griffin was appointed to advise me on all aspects of the work of my Department as they affect trade unions. As to salary, I refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Member for Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton) on 2nd May.

Mr. Griffiths

Is this paid adviser of the right hon. Gentleman's a candidate for Parliament? If he becomes a candidate, will the right hon. Gentleman cause him to resign?

Mr. Benn

The hon. Gentleman should do his homework. Mr. Griffin served throughout the whole of the four-year period of the Conservative Government. He was invited by Ministers in the Departments of Trade and Industry to stay on. I have confirmed his appointment to advise on trade union matters, and there is no question of his being a candidate for Parliament.