HC Deb 21 October 1912 vol 42 cc1709-10
78. Mr. W. PEEL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the request of how many Members of Parliament did he decide to grant an abatement of Income Tax in the salaries of Members; and what proportion does such number bear to the total membership of the House?

86. Viscount WOLMER

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he can give the names of those Members who asked for the deduction to be made in the assessment for Income Tax of the salaries of Members; if not, whether he will say how many asked for it and to what party or parties they belonged; and if he took any steps to ascertain the views of all the other Members of this House?

90. MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINE

asked the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the fact that suspicion now attaches to all hon. Members of having asked for a remission of Income Tax in addition to their salary of £400, whether he will state the number of hon. Members who asked for this treatment, and to what political party they belonged?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It was on the merits of the case, rather than on the number of persons who represented it, that I decided to make the allowance. As I have already said, I think it would be invidious to give particulars regarding the Members who approached me on the subject.

Mr. PEEL

Is it not right, when a Grant is made out of the public funds, that the House and the public should know at the instance of how many Members this Grant was made? Was there a general desire expressed for it?

Viscount WOLMER

When will the House have an opportunity of discussing this Grant?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

That is not a question to put to me; that is a question for the Loader of the House.

Mr. PEEL

How much more largesse is the guardian of the public purse going to distribute?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I simply have to decide on the cases which are put before me, and if I make any allowance or assent to any Grant which the House objects to, I am entirely in the hands of the House.

Mr. BONAR LAW

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that he himself, apart from the House, has a responsibility not to give money which at least is open to suspicion?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Certainly. I am personally responsible, and I am responsible to the House.

Mr. FLAVIN

Could the right hon. Gentleman say, for the information of the House, how many Members above the Gangway have refused to take this Grant, although they have accepted £400 a year?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Not many.

Mr. PEEL

Are those Members, who, I believe, are three, Members of the Liberal party or the Labour party?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I shall certainly decline to answer that question.