HL Deb 05 December 1951 vol 174 cc801-2

2.45 p.m.

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

The Committee reported as follows:

1.—SUB-COMMITTEES.

The Library Sub-Committee was appointed as follows: The Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Ilchester, the Earl of Drogheda, the Earl of Bessborough, the Viscount Mersey, the Viscount Simon, the Lord Stanmore, the Lord Macmillan, the Lord Burden, with the Clerk of the Parliaments.

The Sub-Committee on the Refreshment Department was appointed as follows: The Earl Fortescue, the Earl of Bessborough, the Viscount Mersey, the Lord Denman, the Lord Stanmore, the Lord Mancroft, the Lord Ammon, the Lord Henderson, with the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Clerk of the Parliaments.

The Sub-Committee on the Windows of the House was appointed as follows: The Duke of Wellington, the Marquess of Salisbury, the Earl of Drogheda, the Earl of Munster, the Viscount Mersey, the Lord Wigan (E. Crawford), the Lord Morrison, with the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Clerk of the Parliaments.

2.—HISTORICAL RECORDS

The Clerk of the Parliaments informed the Committee of the progress made by the Ministry of Works for the air conditioning of the manuscript repository in the Victoria Tower.

The Committee considered that the extension of the air conditioning scheme to the remaining rooms where documents are stored and the provision of improved means of access to the rooms were matters of urgency.

3.—COUNSEL TO THE LORD CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES.

The Committee unanimously reaffirmed their decision that the salary of Counsel to the Chairman of Committees should be revised to conform with the increases recently applied to legal advisers in major Government Departments.

The Committee recommended that an early opportunity should be taken to raise the matter wiht the appropriate authorities.

4.—OFFICIAL SHORTHAND WRITER.

The Clerk of the Parliaments informed the Committee of the resignation of Mr. William Sugden, who has been Shorthand Writer to the House of Lords since 1947, and of the appointment of Mr. Alan Ridsdale Kennedy in his place as from 28th November, 1951.

5.—REVISED ALLOWANCES.

The Committee sanctioned the application of Treasury Establishment Circular No. 79/51 dated 8th November, 1951, respecting Allowances for special duties to any Officer or official of the House to whom it may be applied.

6.—DOORKEEPERS.

The Committee approved revised scales of salary and additional provision for dress clothes for the Doorkeeper staff.

7.—PORTERS.

The Committee sanctioned revised rates of pay for the porters.

8.—CUSTODIANS.

The Committee were informed that revised rates of pay for the Custodian staff were under negotiation with the Treasury, and approved the rates proposed.

9.—RETIREMENT OF OFFICE ASSISTANT.

The Committee sanctioned a pension and an additional allowance under the Superannuation Acts. 1935 and 1949, to Thomas James Mitchell, Senior Office Assistant, who retires voluntarily from 28th December, 1951, after 22 completed years' service.

10.—RETIREMENT OF CUSTODIAN.

The Committee sanctioned the payment of a gratuity under the Superannuation Act. 1949, to John F. Murray, an unestablished Custodian, on his retirement on 26th August, 1951.

11.—ESTIMATES.

The Estimates for the House of Lords for 1952–53 were laid before the Committee by the Clerk of the Parliaments and approved.

12.—HEATING IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

The attention of the Committee was directed to the overheating of the Chamber, the Lobbies and other rooms.

The Secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain undertook to discuss the matter with the Resident Engineer.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (THE EARL OF DROGHEDA)

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

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

THE EARL OF DROGHEDA

My Lords, I do not think there is any particular item in this Report to which I need call your attention. I beg formally to move that the Report be now agreed to.

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

On Question, Motion agreed to.