HL Deb 09 July 1952 vol 177 cc925-6

2.42 p.m.

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

The Committee reported as follows:

1.—HISTORICAL RECORDS The Committee were informed of the purchase from Lord Braye of certain historical manuscripts. The Leader of the House was asked to send letters of appreciation to the Pilgrim Trust and the Friends of the National Libraries for their generosity in providing for this purchase.

2.—FEES OF OFFICIAL SHORTHAND WRITER The Committee approved the application of the revised scale of fees laid down in the appendix to Treasury Establishments Circular No. 26/52 as from 1st April, 1952, to the Official Shorthand Writer to the House of Lords and to temporary Reporters.

3.—CIVIL DEFENCE The Committee sanctioned the application of Establishments Circulars No. 49/51 and No. 18/52 providing for the equipment and training of volunteers for civil defence duties in the Palace of Westminster and approved certain payments as recommended by the Civil Defence Committee.

4.—GRANT TO SOCIETY OF CLERKS-AT-THE-TABLE IN EMPIRE PARLIAMENTS The Committee authorised an increase in the annual contribution from this House towards the expenses of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table.

5.—ALLOWANCES The Committee sanctioned the application of Treasury Establishments Circular No. 32/52 for the payment of a proficiency allowance in either shorthand or typing to any member of the staff that passes the test. The Committee also sanctioned the application of the Second Supplement to Establishments Circular No. 79/51 for revisions in certain allowances at present payable.

6.—RETIREMENT OF CUSTODIANS The Committee sanctioned pensions and additional allowances under the Superannuation Acts to Joseph Byrne, an established Custodian, on his retirement from 19th May, 1952, and to Sidney Edward Wrangles, a senior Custodian who attains 65 years of age on 6th August, 1952. The Committee were informed that Mr. Wrangles would continue to be employed as an unestablished Custodian.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (THE EARL OF DROGHEDA)

My Lords, I beg to move that the Third Report from the House of Lords Offices Committee be now considered.

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

THE EARL OF DROGHEDA

My Lords, as there is nothing in this Report to which I need draw your special attention, I beg to move formally that the Report be approved.

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