§ Mr. BARNESasked the Prime Minister whether, on the occasion of an ex-Minister declaring that his private income is not sufficient to maintain him, any statement is made as to what that private income is; whether any steps are taken to verify the statement; and whether the Treasury take into consideration whether that private income is or is not sufficient?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo case of the kind has occurred since I have held my present office, and I cannot say what was the practice of my predecessors. So far as official records are concerned, they appear to be confined to a statement that the First Lord of the Treasury had satisfied himself that the case was within the intention of the Statute.
§ Mr. BARNESHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a statement reported in the "Star" newspaper of 22nd January to the effect that an ex-Minister had stated his income to be £12,000 per year for the last twenty-five years, land of a further statement made in the "Wimbledon Gazette" that that £12,000 was after all expenses were paid? Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to that statement, and does he propose to take any steps in the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy attention has not been called to the matter, and I was not aware that ex-Ministers were in such a happy position. Such a case has not arisen since the present Government came into power, and if it does arise I will consider it.
§ Mr. BARNESNow that the matter has been mentioned here, does the Prime Minister think there is sufficient justification for doing something in the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf any ex-Minister applies to me, I shall certainly make careful inquiries.
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, they are limited.