HL Deb 13 May 1941 vol 119 cc169-70

Order of the Day for the consideration of the Second Report from the Select Committee read.

The Committee reported as follows:

1.—Civil Service War Bonus.

The Committees sanctioned the application of Treasury Circular NO. 4/41 for the payment of further war bonus to the staff of the House of Lords to whom it applies.

2.—Fire Watchers.

The Committee sanctioned the payment of a subsistence allowance of 3s. a night and of travelling expenses to fire watchers for the Palace of Westminster, in accordance with Treasury Circulars in connection with officers on voluntary A.R.P. duties.

3.—Death of Assistant to Editor of House of Lords Debates.

The Committee learned with regret of the death of Mr. Alfred Walter, Assistant to the Editor of House of Lords Debates, on 4th April, 1941, after over 32 years' service, and sanctioned the payment of a gratuity to his legal personal representative under Section 2 of the Superannuation Act, 1909. The Committee further expressed their appreciation of the valuable services of Mr. Walter during the many years he has spent on the staff and desired the Clerk of the Parliaments to send a letter of sympathy to his family.

4.—Gratuity to a Porter.

The Committee sanctioned a gratuity to Alfred Pronger, who retired owing to ill health on 18th January, 1941, after 24 years' service, under the Superannuation Act, 1909.

5.—Mr. G. H. Eastwood.

The Committee were informed that Mr. G. H. Eastwood was being seconded for service with the Governor-General of Canada for the period of the war and that he would in consequence resign the post of Examiner of Standing Orders.

6.—Library Sub-Committee.

A Report from the Sub-Committee on the Library was laid before the Committee; the Clerk of the Parliaments drew attention to the matters mentioned in the report.

THE EARL OF ONSLOW

My Lords, I beg to move that this Report be now considered and agreed to. I do not think that I need trouble your Lordships by calling attention to any of the points with which it deals, with the exception of No. 3, the death of the Assistant to the Editor of the House of Lords Debates. The late Mr. Walter was for over thirty years employed as Assistant to the Editor of the Debates of your Lordships' House, and I am sure that your Lordships will wish to concur with the Committee in the condolences which they offer to his family and in the regret which they feel at his loss.

Moved, That the Report be now considered and agreed to—(The Earl of Onslow.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.

House adjourned.