HC Deb 28 July 1915 vol 73 cc2279-80
49. Mr. BOOTH

asked the Prime Minister if the salary of any Minister of the Crown is taken from the Vote to carry on the War; and, if so, whether he can see his way to bring in a Supplementary Estimate for the purpose?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. My hon. Friend has, I think, overlooked the fact that the salaries of the Ministers in the Admiralty, War Office, and Munitions Department must necessarily be paid out of the Vote of Credit.

Mr. BOOTH

Is my right hon. Friend aware that no information was given that this salary was in this Vote of Credit, and does he not see that, comparing it with salaries well known and recognised, the House has been misled? May I ask my right hon. Friend to explain why the House has not been frankly informed of what the position was?

Mr. McKENNA

My hon. Friend's memory is at fault. When the Army and Navy Estimates were introduced this year only token Votes were taken, and a statement was made by the Prime Minister that the whole of the Estimates out of the token Votes, both for the Army and Navy, would be paid out of the Vote of Credit, and those Estimates included the salaries of Ministers.

Mr. BOOTH

Is my right hon. Friend referring to the real object of this question, namely, as to the salary of the Joint-Patronage Secretary?

Mr. McKENNA

I thought I answered that question previously with regard to the salary of the Joint-Patronage Secretary. It has been paid so far out of the Treasury Vote, and it will only come upon the Vote of Credit if it should prove that there is not a surplus on the Treasury Vote.

Mr. BOOTH

Why was not a frank statement made about this question, and why has information had to be obtained in this way by question and answer some time after the date?

Mr. McKENNA

A frank statement was made when the question was asked, on the announcement of the formation of the Government, about the office of the Noble Lord. The moment my hon. Friend asked the question a reply was given to him.

Mr. BOOTH

The official announcement in the Press did not state there was any salary, and though we have been continually asking questions, we have not been able to obtain any information.

Mr. McKENNA

Full information was given in this House the moment the question was asked.

Sir A. MARKHAM

First we had to find it out.