HL Deb 29 November 1950 vol 169 cc602-4

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

The Committee reported as follows:

1.—HOUSE OF LORDS CHAMBER.

The Committee reappointed the Sub-Committee consisting of the following Lords: V. Add/son, M. Salisbury, V. Samuel, E. Drogheda, L. Badeley with The Lord Great Chamberlain, the Clerk of the Parliaments and the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod.

The following Lords were added to the Sub-Committee: D. Wellington, E. Fortescue, E. Halifax, V. Mersey, L. Morrison.

General approval was given to the colour of the panel in the Lords Chamber which has been cleaned.

2.—LIBRARY.

The Sub-Committee on the Library was re-appointed as follows: E. Ilchester, E. Drogheda, V. Mersey. V. Simon, L. Stanmore, L. Macmillan, L. Simonds, L. Badeley, with the Clerk of the Parliaments.

3.—REFRESHMENTS DEPARTMENT.

The Sub-Committee on the Refreshment Department was reappointed as follows: E. Fortescue. V. Mersey, L Denman, L. Stanmore, L. Mancroft, L. Ammon, L. Henderson, L. Darwen, L. Badeley, with the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Clerk of the Parliaments.

4.—GUEST ROOM.

The Secretary to the Lord Great Chamber-lain was asked to try to arrange for a room to be set aside in which Peers might receive guests.

5.—REVISION OF SALARY SCALES.

The Committee sanctioned the application of Treasury Establishment Circular No. 51/50 with reference to the pay of Principals of the Administrative class to the Senior Clerks as from August 1. 1950.

6.—HISTORICAL RECORDS.

The Clerk of the Parliaments informed the Committee as to the storage arrangements for the preservation of the historical documents, and the Committee authorised the appointment of the post of a paper keeper on the Parliament Office staff.

It was agreed that there should be conveyed to the Minister of Works the thanks of the Committee for the helpful co-operation of his Officers in the work of reconditioning the repository in the Victoria Tower including the installation of air-conditioning apparatus.

7.—RETIREMENT OF STAFF SUPERINTENDENT, LORD GREAT CHAMBERLAIN'S DEPARTMENT.

The Committee were informed of the resignation of Mr. H. J. Martin, M.B.E., and of the appointment of Lieut.-Commander Sidney Edward Glover, M.B.E., D.S.C., to the post of Staff Superintendent in his place from 13th November, 1950.

The Committee sanctioned the payment to Mr. Martin of a gratuity under the Superannuation Act, 1949.

The Committee approved the scale of salary to Lieut.-Commander S. E. Glover.

8.—PROFICIENCY ALLOWANCES.

The Committee sanctioned the application of Treasury Establishment Circular No. 60/50, dated 25th October, 1950, with reference to the payment of an increased allowance for proficiency in either shorthand or typing to members of the staff who have passed the necessary test.

9.—DOORKEEPERS AND HOUSE MESSENGERS.K

The Committee approved the payment, on appointment, of an allowance towards the cost of purchase of dress clothes accessories; and sanctioned an increase in the annual allowance for maintenance of dress clothes.

They expressed the opinion that the provision for upkeep of the dress clothes was still insufficient, and the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod was asked to consult with the Deputy Serieant-at-Arms in the House of Commons with a view to joint action in the matter by the accounting officers concerned.

The Committee also approved the payment of the cost of providing the new coach caller with a uniform.

10.—CUSTODIANS.

The Committee authorised an extra post of Senior Custodian in connection with the additional floors and corridors in the new House of Commons building.

11.—ESTIMATES.

The Estimates for the House of Lords for 1951-52 were laid before the Committee by the Clerk of the Parliaments and approved.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (THE EARL OF DROGHEDA)

My Lords, I do not think there is any point in the First Report of the Select Committee on the House of Lords Offices to which I need draw your special attention, and therefore I beg to move formally that the Report be now considered and approved.

Moved, That the Report be now considered and approved.—(The Earl of Drogheda.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.