§ 50. Mr. BOOTHasked the Prime Minister how many Government Whips have been appointed in the House of Commons, and what is the total emolument enjoyed; and whether any of the Whips have been specially designated to organise rival parties in the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTEREight Whips have been appointed, seven being the usual number. Their total emoluments amount to £8,400. The Whips belong to the three parties composing the Coalition Government, and in addition to their work in the House they attend to the affairs of the parties in the country. They also give considerable time to directing the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, the Parliamentary War Savings Committee, and the Munitions Meetings Campaign.
§ Mr. BOOTHDoes my right hon. Friend think it advisable, when thrift is being urged throughout the country, to have these three sets of Whips paid out of public funds to organise parties against each other in the country, and does he think that meets with general approval?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe main part of their time is devoted to the service of the country.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs there any necessity at all for these eight Whips, seeing that the House of Commons will do exactly what the Prime Minister wants it to do?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. Friend takes an unduly sanguine view. I fear his, for the moment, is a counsel of perfection.