HC Deb 22 May 1919 vol 116 cc585-6W
Mr. JOYNSON-H1CKS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when Sir George Gibb was appointed chairman of the Road Board, it was on the understanding that it was whole-time work at a salary of £3,000 a year; and whether a Government servant drawing that salary is allowed to hold another salaried post?

Mr. BALDWIN

My right hon. Friend has asked me to give the following reply:

Sir George Gibb consented to continue temporarily in the chairmanship of the Road Board at the request of His Majesty's Government, made in the interest of the public service. He did not seek an extension of his period of office, and would have been glad to be relieved of it. The discharge of his duties as chairman of the Road Board was only a part of the public work which he performed in recent years, and, in acceding to the request which I made to him, he made it clear that he must now devote a part of his time to other work. I accepted this condition. I am satisfied that he can do this and still render to the Government all the assistance which they require from him. I take full responsibility for the arrangement, which is a temporary one made to suit transitional conditions, and I can only express my gratitude to Sir George Gibb for having so readily responded to the wishes of His Majesty's Government.