HC Deb 27 July 1909 vol 8 cc1018-20
Mr. ARNOLD HERBERT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will explain by what authority he has given his sanction to the expenditure by the Admiralty of money voted by Parliament for the service of the Admiralty upon the provision of free railway tickets and other entertainment for Members of Parliament and their families; and, if he purported to give such sanction under section 4 of the Appropriation Act,?908, will he explain under what heading in the Navy Votes this expenditure comes, or in what way it would be detrimental to the public service to postpone this free entertainment for Members of Parliament until provision could be made for it by Parliament in the usual course?

The HON. MEMBER

further asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any authority to sanction the expenditure of moneys voted by Parliament for the Army or any other Department upon the pro-Vision of free railway tickets or other entertainment for Members of Parliament and their families?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

My right hon. Friend sanctioned the expenditure in question in his capacity as representing the Treasury, whose authority is required for expenditure not specifically authorised in the Estimates.

Mr. ARNOLD HERBERT

Will the Treasury arrange in future that all moneys voted for each Department are appropriated in such a way that they cannot with or without Treasury sanction be used for the direct personal advantage of Members of Parliament who vote the Supply, and who are themselves the trustees of the public purse?

Mr. STANLEY WILSON

Under which of the Admiralty Votes and under which sub-head will this entertainment be included?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

If the hon. Member will put that question down on the Paper, I will get him the information.

Mr. STANLEY WILSON

It is on the Paper.

Mr. REES

Is there anything in this more open to objection than the payment of Members?

Mr. STANLEY WILSON

They have not done that yet.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some three years ago Members of Parliament had a trip to Portsmouth, and paid for their own tickets on that occasion?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I believe that is the case.

Mr. WATT

Will the right hon. Gentleman extend this system so that Members of constituencies at a distance may travel free?