§ MR. STACPOOLEasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he contemplates the introduction of any measure for the abolition of the purchase system in high political offices, the owners of which are mulcted in considerable sums for Stamps and other fees on their appointments?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, the hon. Gentleman asks me whether I contemplate the introduction of any measure for the abolition of 268 the purchase system in high, political offices, from which he craftily means to draw me into the admission that the purchase system does exist in high political offices. I protest against being drawn into that net, and I will therefore pass over that part of the Question. As to whether I contemplate the abolition of stamps and other fees on appointments to high political offices, I have to say that the abolition of stamps I do not contemplate; but I have been for some time inquiring with my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Treasury and other gentlemen into the question of fees, and I do hope I shall be able to do something in that way.