REGIONAL COMMISSIONERS BILL.

HL Deb 01 September 1939 vol 114 cc945-6

Read 1^a.

11.25 p.m.

THE EARL OF LUCAN

My Lords, this Bill provides authority for the payment of salaries and allowances for expenses to Regional Commissioners and Deputy Regional Commissioners appointed by His Majesty under the scheme of regional organisation for civil defence, and also for District Commissioners or Deputy Commissioners appointed by the Secretary of State for Scotland to act in a similar capacity. The Bill also provides that no person to whom a salary or allowance is payable under this Bill shall thereby be disqualified from acting as a Member of Parliament. This refers to the rule that persons accepting an office of profit under the Crown should be disqualified from sitting. It is therefore considered desirable that the Bill should be passed forthwith as several Members of Parliament have accepted offers, in order to remove any doubt which might otherwise exist as to the position of those Members of Parliament who have agreed to undertake this public duty. I beg to move this Bill be read a second time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2^a.—(The Earl of Lucan.)

LORD STRABOLGI

May we be informed how much we are supposed to pay these gentlemen?

THE EARL OF LUCAN

A question was asked in the House of Commons in April, and it was then answered by the statement that Regional Commissioners and Deputy Regional Commissioners will in time of war be eligible to receive salaries not exceeding £2,500 a year and £1,000 a year respectively. Many of the persons appointed as Regional Commissioners will no doubt be ready to undertake these duties without remuneration, but others will not be in a position to act without remuneration and will receive such salaries within the limits indicated as may be decided to be appropriate in each particular case.

On Question, Bill read 2^a: Committee negatived.

Bill read 3^a, and passed, and a Message sent to the Commons to acquaint them therewith.