§ 49. Sir FREDERICK BANBURYasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the hon. Baronet the Member for the Tower Hamlets is a partner in the firm of Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company; whether he is aware that His Majesty's Government have been purchasing large amounts of silver through, or of, that firm; whether he is aware that, when the Government purchased two ships through Messrs. Antony Gibbs and Sons in 1904, Lord Aldenham and Mr. Vicary Gibbs, then Members of this House and partners in the firm, resigned their seats under the Statute 22 George III., c. 45; and when it is proposed to move the writ for the Tower Hamlets Division?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have referred this question to the Law Officers of the Crown, who are inquiring into the matter.
§ Sir F. BANBURYI will repeat the question next Monday.
§ Mr. GEORGE FABERIs it a fact that the first time this commission was enjoyed by the hon. Baronet was in March last, and if that be so why was not the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown taken then?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is not a matter for the Government at all. It has nothing whatever to do with them. An hon. Member who sits here after being disqualified incurs very serious penalties.
§ Viscount WOLMERIs it not a fact that an hon. Member incurs a fine of £500 every time he votes?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Noble Lord can read the Statute.
§ Mr. MOOREIs not the purity of the position of Members in this House in charge of the right hon. Gentleman as Leader of the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government obviously cannot tell what contracts particular Members may have, if they have. any, with various Government Departments. A Member who sits here who has entered into such a contract subjects himself to very serious statutory liability.
§ Mr. GEORGE FABERWas not the right hon. Gentleman informed at the time by the Secretary of State?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, certainly not.