Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture. – in the House of Commons at on 5 June 1939.
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?
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.
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?
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.
Mr John Morgan
, Doncaster
If the Minister has not, in fact, given his approval, has he not actually given his sanction?
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.
Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith
, Petersfield
That is not a matter within my province.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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