HL Deb 04 July 1932 vol 85 cc536-7

Order of the Day read for the consideration of the Second Report from the Select Committee on House of Lords Offices.

The Committee reported as follows:—

1. SUB-COMMITTEE ON THE REFRESHMENT DEPARTMENT.

The Sub-Committee reported the resignation of Mr. R. C. Vaughan, who has been Controller of the Refreshment Department since April, 1920.

The Committee authorised the Sub-Committee to make suitable arrangements for carrying on the Refreshment Department.

2 YEOMAN USHER OF THE BLACK ROD (HOUSE ALLOWANCE).

The Committee sanctioned the payment to the Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod of House Allowance up to the 28th April, 1931, the date on which his official residence was ready for occupation.

3. RETIREMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL CLERK OF PRIVATE BILLS AND TAXING MASTER OF PRIVATE BILL COSTS.

The Committee heard with regret that the Hon. Edward A. Stoner, who holds the appointment of Principal Clerk of Private Bills and Taxing Master of Private Bill Costs, is about to retire under the age limit on the 16th October next. Mr. Stonor will then have completed 41 years' service in the House.

The Committee sanctioned the payment to Mr. Stonor of a pension of £600 per annum, and supplementary pension, subject to quarterly revision, calculated on the current rate of bonus.

They also approved the payment of a capital sum by way of additional allowance calculated on his present salary, together with 75 per cent. of the current bonus amounting to £1,951 0s. 6d.

These payments are calculated according to the provisions of the Superannuation Act, 1909, under which Mr. Stonor's pension is assessable.

The Committee were informed that, as a result of Mr. Stonor's retirement, the amalgamation of the Committee Office and Private Bill Office, agreed to by the Committee in 1919, will come into force, Mr. Vigors, the present Principal Clerk of Committees, becoming the head of the combined departments without additional remuneration.

The scheme of 1919 provided also for an establishment of 13 clerks in the Parliament Office. A vacancy is thus created by Mr. Stonor's retirement. In the interests of economy, the Clerk of the Parliaments does not at present propose to fill the vacancy, and is arranging to carry on with the existing staff until March, 1933, when he proposes to make a new appointment.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (THE EARL OF ONSLOW)

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

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