HC Deb 22 July 1909 vol 8 cc614-5
Mr. MARKHAM

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will say by what authority he has sanctioned the granting of free railway tickets and the entertainment of Members of Parliament and their families at the public expense on Saturday, 31st July; whether there is any precedent for the granting of free railway tickets to Members and their families; and whether, in view of the declaration of Ministers that economy in administration is one of the most urgent questions, he will see that Members and their families pay their own expenses when engaged on pleasure?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

My right hon. Friend has sanctioned this arrangement at the suggestion of the Board of Admiralty, as it seemed to him desirable that all Members of the House should have an equal opportunity of accepting an invitation extended to them in their capacity as Members of Parliament.

Mr. MARKHAM

I asked whether there was any precedent for granting free railway tickets to hon. Members and their families? Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that question?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I do not think the hon. Member is entitled to be quite so imperative, but I have not the slightest objection to saying that there is no such precedent; but the Chancellor of the Exchequer has full authority to deal with such matters.

Mr. MARKHAM

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me under what authority he has power to grant those expenses of railway tickets to Members and their families?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

On the authority which the Chancellor of the Exchequer has for any expenditure he presents to the House of Commons.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

May I ask under what Estimates will this come? Has Ireland likewise to pay part of the tune?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Ireland will have an opportunity of taking part in the expenditure.

Mr. W. PEEL

Will there be a Supplementary Estimate laid before the House of Commons?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I see no necessity for any Supplementary Estimate. It will come out of the ordinary Admiralty expenditure.

Lord BALCARRES

Is this not in the nature of a new service?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I think not.

Sir J. S. RANDLES

Will this not come out of the new Government Hospitality Vote?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

No, Sir. It will come out of the Admiralty Vote.