§ MR. HAROLD COXI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to increase the salaries of the President of the Board of Trade and of the President of the Local Government Board; and, if so, whether this increase will be provided by a reduction of other Ministerial, salaries or by increasing the burdens upon the taxpayer; and, in the latter alternative, when he proposes to ask the House to make the necessary grant.
§ MR. ASQUITHThe whole question of the functions and status of these two offices is the subject of inquiry by a Committee of the Cabinet; and I am not at present able to say what proposals we shall be in a position to make to Parliament.