HC Deb 22 February 1944 vol 397 cc654-6
63. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the expenses of the visits of the four Members to the West Indies and the eight Members to Australia are paid directly or indirectly out of public funds.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Assheton)

My hon. Friend is presumably referring to the forthcoming delegations from the United Kingdom Branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association, which receives an annual grant-in-aid from the Exchequer. The expenses of the Delegation to the Australian and New Zealand Parliaments are being met by the Australian and New Zealand Branches of the Association, but the United Kingdom Branch will defray the expenses of the Delegation to the West Indian Legislatures, and account has been taken of this in fixing the amount of the grant-in-aid to be provided in 1944 Estimates.

Mr. Strauss

Will the Government make a firm rule that no public money should be spent in financing trips abroad in which Members of this House will be parted from their Parliamentary and constituency work for a long period, and that public money should only be paid for such expeditions if they are definitely authorised by Parliament or are made on behalf of Parliament?

Mr. Assheton

That is a different question.

Mr. Shinwell

If public money is to be provided for Delegations of this kind, will the House have an opportunity of considering and discussing the activities of those hon. Members who are sent abroad?

Mr. Assheton

The Estimate for this, of course, falls to be taken in due course, in Class I, Vote 22.

Mr. Shinwell

My right hon. Friend has not answered my question. I am aware that there must be an Estimate, but are we to be afforded an opportunity of discussing the activities of those Members, for whom State funds are provided, when they return?

Mr. Assheton

I cannot say what opportunities there will be for discussing this matter.

Earl Winterton

Will my right hon. Friend take note of the fact that a number of us are anxious to discuss this Estimate and the very peculiar method of supplying this Association with funds? Will he, through the usual channels, try to arrange that when the Estimate is taken there will be an opportunity of discussing it?

Mr. Assheton

It is not a peculiar method; it is a method which has been followed in the past.

Mr. Strauss

In view of the great importance of this subject and the important principles involved, I beg to give notice that I will raise it at an early opportunity.