§ Mr. FELLasked the Prime Minister if it is proposed to continue the payment of Members beyond the end of the present financial year; and, if so, if a Bill will be 1710 brought in to regularise such payment and provide for the due allocation of the salaries?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and provision for such payment is made in the Estimate for the House of Commons (Clause 2, Vote 2) for 1912–3. The answer to the second part of the question is that payment will be regularised by proceedings in Supply, and finally by the Appropriation Bill to be introduced this Session, just as was done by proceedings in Supply and the Appropriation Act of 1911.
§ Sir WILLIAM BYLESWill there be any opportunity for discussing the matter?
§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEWill the Vote be taken before any payment is made beyond the end of the present year?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should have notice of that question.
§ Mr. FELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that difficulties have arisen in regard to payment, and that there is no one in the House who can answer any questions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir. Any question put will be answered.
§ Mr. O. LOCKER-LAMPSONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is going to be any increase in salaries?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAny suggestions made will be very carefully considered.
§ Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of apportioning the salaries in inverse ratio to the length of speeches?