Mr. PIKE PEASEasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the cost of fighting two elections in one year 431 in the largest constituency in England is approximately £9,000; and whether His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of introducing legislation in order to defray a proper proportion of the election expenses, instead of inaugurating a system for the payment of a salary to each Member of Parliament?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEHis Majesty's Government are quite alive to the importance of legislation on this subject, but they do not regard such legislation as an alternative to the payment of Members.
§ Colonel YATEWhen payment of Members is introduced, will compulsory retirement at the age of sixty-five be enforced in the case of paid Members as in the case of all other paid Civil servants of the State.
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI hope not. I have no doubt there are many hon. Members of this House over sixty-five whose presence and services I am sure the House would like to retain.