River Ouse Catchment Board (Consulting Engineer).

Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture. – in the House of Commons at on 5 June 1939.

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Photo of Mr John Morgan Mr John Morgan , Doncaster

asked the Minister of Agriculture the terms on which the River Ouse Catchment Board have secured the services of a consulting engineer, what his duties will be, and whether this appointment has received his approval?

Photo of Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith , Petersfield

I have been informed by the River Great Ouse Catchment Board of the appointment by them of Sir Murdoch MacDonald as their consulting engineer, his terms of reference being to report as to the principles to be applied to provide an efficient and economic remedy taking into account the proposals which have been put forward previously, including that of an intermittent barrage. I understand that a fee not exceeding 1,000 guineas will be paid. My formal approval is not required to the appointment of a consulting engineer by a catchment board.

Photo of Mr John Morgan Mr John Morgan , Doncaster

I take it that the Minister has no objection to a Member of this House being employed in this capacity for a fee of this size? Is the fee to be per annum, and has the Minister no control over the business arrangements of this board, which seems to be giving a lot of unsatisfactory service?

Photo of Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith , Petersfield

As I understand it, the fee will be paid for a definite piece of work. As I have said, my approval is not required for such an appointment.

Photo of Mr John Morgan Mr John Morgan , Doncaster

If the Minister has not, in fact, given his approval, has he not actually given his sanction?

Photo of Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith , Petersfield

I have informed the Catchment Board that I am prepared to allow this sum to rank for a grant in connection with the scheme.

Mr. Davidson:

Was this position advertised and were other applicants interviewed?

Photo of Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith , Petersfield

That is not a matter within my province.

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

Does the Minister consider it right that a Member of this House should be a beneficiary out of money provided by Parliament by way of grant to this authority? Has he considered that point?

Photo of Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith , Petersfield

That point has been considered, and I am informed that there is no question of a Member holding an office of profit under the Crown.

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered whether it is in accordance with good public policy that a Member of this House should be a beneficiary under a grant made out of moneys provided by Parliament? Is there any precedent for a case of this kind?

Photo of Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith , Petersfield

The last question I could not possibly answer, because I do not know, but I imagine that a Member of Parliament will have to earn the money.