HL Deb 08 July 1958 vol 210 cc686-8

3.6 p.m.

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

The Committee reported as follows:

1.—TRAVELLING EXPENSES OF PEERS. The Committee again considered the existing arrangements for the repayment of Peers' travelling expenses, and recommend that a further approach be made to Her Majesty's Government on the question of the reimbursement, up to the amount of the first-class railway fare, of expenses incurred by Peers in travelling to the House by means other than train or aeroplane.

2.—ARRANGEMENTS FOR LIFE PEERESSES. The Committee considered the Report of the Sub-Committee appointed to inquire into and make recommendations upon certain matters which might arise on the passing of the Life Peerages Bill. The Committee recommend that the room between the Earl Marshal's room and the West Front corridor, and the lavatory adjacent thereto, be allotted for the use of Life Peeresses. They suggest that the Lord Great Chamberlain be requested to make the necessary arrangements. The Committee will report again to the House in due course upon other matters arising on the Sub-Committee's Report.

3.—REORGANISATION OF STAFF. The Committee authorised the substitution, from 1st April, 1958, of two posts of Senior Office Assistant for two posts of Office Assistant.

4.—RETIREMENT OF A REPORTER. The Committee sanctioned the payment of a pension and an additional allowance under the Superannuation Acts to Mr. William James Baker, on his retirement on 3rd June, 1958, after 17 completed years' service.

5.—RETIREMENT OF SENIOR CUSTODIAN INSPECTOR. The Committee sanctioned the payment of a revised pension and additional allowance under the Superannuation Acts to Mr. Edward George Warters, B.E.M., who retired on 1st April, 1958.

6.—RETIREMENT OF RE-EMPLOYED CUSTODIAN. The Committee sanctioned a revised pension and additional allowance under the Superannuation Acts to Mr. Andrew White Falls, on his retirement on 22nd May, 1958, after five years' re-employed service.

7.—RETIREMENT OF A CUSTODIAN FIREMAN. The Committee were informed of the retirement of Mr. Walter Jackson on the grounds of age and ill-health. The Committee sanctioned the payment of a gratuity and an additional allowance under the Superannuation Acts to Mr. Jackson.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (LORD MERTHYR)

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

Moved, That the Report be now considered.—(Lord Merthyr.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES

My Lords, I beg to move that this Report be agreed to. I do not think that there are any particular points in it which I need further mention to the House, but if any noble Lord would like to ask any question, needless to say, I will do my best to answer it. I beg to move that this Report be agreed to.

Moved, That the Report be agreed to.—(Lord Merthyr.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.