§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the Prime Minister if he can state when the Resolution on Payment of Members will be placed upon the Paper; and when he can give a day for its discussion?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put a question on the Paper again next week.
§ Mr. GOULDINGasked what will be the form of the Resolution by which the Government propose to authorise payment of Members; and whether it will be possible to safeguard the individual independence of Members, and to prevent any organisation coming between them and their constituents by adding a condition that salaries shall be paid directly to a Member or into his account, and shall not be pooled or paid into the funds of any political or other organisation, and that every assignment of or charge on, and every agreement to assign or charge a Member's salary for the benefit of such an organisation shall be null and void?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot yet say the precise form which the Resolution will take. It will appear in due course on the Paper.
§ Mr. GOULDINGIn view of the far-reaching nature of this proposal, will the right hon. Gentleman give ample time to the House to consider it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe shall give what we consider ample time.
§ Mr. R. GWYNNEMay I suggest it should be put upon the Paper before the by-elections are over?