§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLMay I ask you, Sir, a question of some importance as to Parliamentary practice. To-day, as we all know, the Vote for the Treasury will come on, and of course, Sir, you by no means sit, as a Court of Appeal on anything that is done in Committee of Supply. But I may be justified in asking this question: II this Vote of Supply there is the salary of the First Lord, £5,000. As far as one is able to see one can only, if one was so inclined, discuss the salary in reference to the First Lord's connection with the Treasury, and his work there is very perfunctory indeed, a mere sinecure as First Lord of the Treasury. It is impossible to discuss or criticise his action as Leader of the House in reference to his control over the various departments of the Ministry, or his action as Prime Minister. If that is so—I would be glad to know one way or the other—I think it is a very great defect in our Parliamentary practice which might be amended very easily by the substitution of a small vote of £100 for the salary of the First Lord as Leader of the House or as Prime Minister.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe First Lord of the Treasury is not necessarily Leader of the House, and, therefore, any criticism of his salary and of his action must be in regard to his position in relation to the Treasury, and not in relation to the House. I think that has been laid down on previous occasions.