HC Deb 17 December 1942 vol 385 cc2112-3W
Mr. W. Brown

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Sir George Mahon, now employed in his Department, was previously employed in a post for which reservation from military service would have expired about April 1941, in accordance with official statements made at the end of 1940; that, by joining the Civil Service in January 1941, he secured further reservation; whether, and for how long, he was registered with the Appointments Board for a post in a Government Department; what is the exact nature of his present employment in connection with matters relating to wool and textiles; and what previous experience he has had of this industry?

Captain Waterhouse

Sir George Mahon became a temporary civil servant in January, 1941, and was transferred to the Board of Trade in May, 1942. He is of Southern Irish nationality. Prior to January, 1941, he was not resident in the United Kingdom. He was, therefore, not registered with the Appointments Board, and was not, and is not, liable for service under the National Service Acts, and the question of reservation does not apply. He is at present employed as a temporary administrative officer in the Commercial Relations and Treaties Department, a post for which he was qualified by his previous business experience. His duties cover a wide range of trade questions, and his only connection with textiles is in the export of wearing apparel.

Mr. Reakes

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the functions discharged in his Ministry by Mr. Francis Meynell; what salary or allowances he receives; and whether his emoluments, salary or allowance, are subject to Income Tax?

Mr. Dalton

Mr. Francis Meynell holds the post of Adviser on Consumer Needs. He is in charge of a branch of the Board of Trade responsible for reporting upon the effect of the various measures taken to control the production and consumption of essential articles of clothing and household goods. He is unpaid, but is entitled to an allowance, free of Income Tax, in respect of expenses actually incurred, subject to a maximum payment of £150 a year.