HL Deb 23 July 1929 vol 75 cc217-20

Order of the Day read for the consideration of the First Report by the Select Committee.

The Committee reported as follows:—

1. RE-APPOINTMENT OF SUB-COMMITTEES.

The Sub-Committee on the Library was re-appointed, consisting of the following Lords:—

with the Clerk of the Parliaments.

The Sub-Commitree on the Refreshment Department was re-appointed, consisting of the following Lords:—

with the Lord Great Chamberlain, and the Clerk of the Parliaments.

2. RETIREMENT OF SIR THOMAS DACRES BUTIEK, K.C.V.O.

The Committee heard with sincere regret of the impending retirement on the 31st instant of Sir Thomas Dacres Butler, Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod and Secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain, who has given thirty-seven years' service to the House, and they desire to record their appreciation of the valuable service which he has rendered to the House.

They authorised the payment of a pension to him, based on his combined salaries of £500 per annum, plus the value of his official quarters, which is estimated at £400 per annum. This pension amounts to £555, together with a supplement (subject to quarterly revision) of £105 17s. 6d., calculated on the current rate of bonus, making a total of £660 17s. 6d.

The Lord Great Chamberlain and the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod informed the Committee that they propose to fill the vacancy thus created by the appointment of Lord Esmé Gordon Lennox, as from the 1st of August, 1929.

Owing to the work on the Parliament buildings now being carried out by the Office of Works, it will not be possible for Sir Thomas Butler's residence to be occupied by Lord Esmé Gordon Lennox for a considerable period. The Treasury have authorised the payment of compensation by way of House allowance to Lord Esmé and are desirous that the payment should be made from the House of Lords Vote.

3. RETIREMENT OF HEAD MESSENGER IN THE PARLIAMENT OFFICE.

The Committee were informed that Mr. G. O. Mills, the head messenger in the Parliament Office, will retire on the 28th of August next, having completed twenty-two years' service.

The Committee sanctioned a pension amounting to £59 12s. per annum, together with a supplement of £27 17s. 10d. (subject to quarterly revision), calculated on the current bonus, and also a gratuity calculated on the usual basis under the Superannuation Act, 1909, of £212 17s.

4. APPLICATION FOR INCREASES OF SALARY AND PAY.

The Committee considered a Report by the Sub-Committee appointed on the 14th of March, 1929, to consider applications for increases of salary and pay submitted by certain doorkeepers, coal porters and others.

They sanctioned a recommendation by the Sub-Committee that in future a special uniform allowance of £10 should be given to every doorkeeper on appointment.

They also approved an increase of pay of two shillings per week to the coal porters with the exception of the head coal porter whom they considered was at present well provided for.

5. HOUSEKEEPER'S SALARY.

The Committee approved the payment of a sum of 3s. per week for extra duties to the Housekeeper lately appointed, as part of her salary, as in the case of her predecessor.

6. ANNUAL ACCOUNT OF THE FEE FUND.

The Account of the Fee Fund of the House of Lords for the year ending 31st March, 1929, was laid before the Committee.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (THE EARL OF DONOUGHMORE)

My Lords, I beg to move that this Report be now considered and adopted.

Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.