HL Deb 30 March 1950 vol 166 cc664-5

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

The Committee reported as follows:

1.—LORD GREAT CHAMBERLAIN.

The Committee invited the Lord Great Chamberlain to attend their meetings.

2.—Sun-COMMITTEES.

The Library Sub-Committee was reappointed as follows:—The Earl of Ilchester, the Earl of Drogheda, the Viscount Mersey, the Viscount Simon, the Lord Stanmore, the Lord Macmillan, the Lord Simonds, the Lord Lindsay of Birker, the Lord Badeley, with the Clerk of the Parliaments.

The Sub-Committee on the Refreshment Department was reappointed as follows:—The Earl Fortescue, the Viscount Mersey, the Lord Stanmore, the Lord Jessel, the Lord Henderson, the Lord Badeley, with the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Clerk of the Parliaments.

3.—ACCOMMODATION—HOUSE OF LORDS.

The Committee reappointed the Sub-Committee consisting of the Lord Great Chamberlain or his deputy, the Leaders of the three parties in the House or deputies appointed by them, the Chairman of Committees and the Lord Badeley, with the Clerk of the Parliaments and the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, to consider matters dealing with the cleaning, renovation and seating in the Lords' Chamber after its vacation by the House of Commons. The Sub-Committee to have power to add to their numbers.

4.—LIBRARIAN.

The Committee sanctioned an extension of service, on a yearly basis, to Mr. Charles Travis Clay, C.B., the Librarian, from 30th July, 1950.

5.—APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL CLERK OF PUBLIC BILLS.

The Committee were informed that the Clerk of the Parliaments had appointed Mr. Henry Montagu Burrows as Principal Clerk of Public Bills in the place of Mr. Francis William Lascelles, C.B., M.C., from 1st January, 1950.

6.—APPOINTMENT OF A CHIEF CLERK.

The Committee were informed that the Clerk of the Parliaments had appointed Mr. Algernon Frederick Roland Dudley Ryder, ME., as Chief Clerk, Office of the Chairman of Committees, in the place of Mr. H. NI. Burrows from 1st January, 1950.

7.—SECRETARIAL ALLOWANCE.

The Committee sanctioned the payment of an annual allowance to the Clerical Assistant who acts as secretary to the Clerk of the Parliaments.

8.—APPOINTMENT OF REGISTRY CLERK.

The Committee authorised a new post on the staff of the Clerk of the Parliaments of a Registry Clerk. They approved the scale of salary for this post.

9.—REPAIRS TO MACE.

The Committee sanctioned a payment for repairs to the silver-gilt Charles II Mace.

10.—RETIREMENT OF CUSTODIAN.

The Committee sanctioned the payment of a gratuity under the Superannuation Act. 1949. to William James Branson, an unestablished Custodian, on his retirement on 9th April, 1950.

11.—ESTIMATES, 1950–51.

The Committee agreed to a reduction asked for by His Majesty's Treasury in the estimate for Travelling Expenses of Peers.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES

My Lords, I do not think that there is anything in this Report to which I need draw your attention, and I beg to move that the Report be now considered and agreed to.

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