HL Deb 08 December 1959 vol 220 cc86-7

2.44 p.m.

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

The Committee reported as follows:

1.—APPOINTMENT OF SUB-COMMITTEES

(1) The Sub-Committee on the Library was appointed as follows: E. Attlee, E. Home, V. Esher, V. Simonds (Chairman), V. Soulbury, L. Birkett, L. Burden, L. Chorley, L. Reid, and the Lord Great Chamberlain, with the Clerk of the Parliaments.

(2) The Sub-Committee on the Refreshment Department was appointed as follows: E. Gosford, E. St. Aldwyn, L. Amulree, L. Henderson, L. Killearn, L. Lucas of Chilworth, L. Macpherson of Drumochter, and the Lord Great Chamberlain, with the Clerk of the Parliaments.

The Sub-Committee was given power to co-opt further members and to appoint its own Chairman.

(3) The Sub-Committee on the Windows of the House was appointed as follows: D. Wellington (Chairman), M. Salisbury, E. Crawford, E. Munster, L. Burden, L. Kenilworth, and the Lord Great Chamberlain, with the Clerk of the Parliaments.

(4) The Sub-Committee on the Housing of Historical Documents in the Victoria Tower was appointed as follows: M. Salisbury (Chairman), E. Home, E. Lucan, E. Munster, V. Stansgate, V. Thurso, L. Amulree, L. Rea, and the Lord Great Chamberlain, with the Clerk of the Parliaments.

2.—VENTILATION IN THE CHAMBER

The Lord Great Chamberlain reported on the method of ventilation in the Chamber.

3.—SUPERANNUATION

The Committee approved the adoption of the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1959, for the retired staff of the House of Lords.

4.—REVISED SCALE OF PAY

The Committee sanctioned the application of Establishments Circular No. 39/59 giving a revised scale of salary to the Clerk of the Records.

5.—CUSTODIAN STAFF

The Committee approved a re-grading and sanctioned revised rates of pay for the Custodian Staff.

6.—RESIGNATION OF A CLERK IN THE LORD GREAT CHAMBERLAIN'S OFFICE

The Committee sanctioned the payment of a gratuity under section 39 of the Superannuation Act, 1949, to Mrs. I. D. Locket.

7.—RETIREMENT OF HOUSEMAIDS

The Committee sanctioned the payment of gratuities under the Superannuation Acts, 1949 and 1957, to Mrs. H. F. Cobb, Mrs. E. Simmonds and Mrs. S. Thompson.

8.—ESTIMATES

(1) The Estimates for the House of Lords for 1960–61 were laid before the Committee and approved.

(2) Travelling expenses of Peers—The Committee recommended that the Committee of the Whips be asked to re-consider the existing arrangements for the repayment of Peers' travelling expenses.

(3) The Committee appointed a Sub-Committee, consisting of the Chairman of Committees and the Whips together with the Clerk of the Parliaments, to consider future Estimates before being laid before the whole Committee.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (LORD MERTHYR)

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

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

On Question, Motion agreed to.

LORD MERTHYR

My Lords, I do not think that there are any points about which I need comment particularly in this Report: but, needless to say, if any noble Lord wishes to ask a question, I will do my best to answer it. I beg to move that this Report be agreed to.

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

On Question, Motion agreed to.