HC Deb 08 March 1915 vol 70 cc1129-31
41. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the inquiries being made by the Paymaster-General into the time served by Members of this House in the Army and Navy; and whether he can say for what purpose such inquiries are being made?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Acland)

No such inquiries are being made by the Paymaster-General.

Mr. HOGGE

Is anybody making such inquiries?

Mr. ACLAND

I think that possibly the officials of this House are inquiring into the military pay of Members, in order to make the necessary deductions from the civil salaries.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Where is there authority by any Statute for any official of this House to concern himself in the matter?

Mr. ACLAND

I think there is authority for persons in receipt of civil salaries under the Votes having the amount of their military pay deducted before those salaries are paid.

Mr. HEALY

But where is the authority? These gentlemen—Division clerks, and so on—are appointed to look after Divisions and other matters connected with the journals of the House. Where is their authority for going into this matter?

Sir GEORGE YOUNGER

Does the hon. Gentleman proceed on the ground that as there is no statutory authority to pay these salaries, so no statutory authority is required to interfere with them?

Mr. ACLAND

The Treasury does not proceed on any ground. I was answering a question as to what authority there was for dealing with these salaries.

Mr. HEALY

Mr. Speaker, I understand that certain officers of the House are detailed to go into the matter of Members' salaries. I wish to ask whether you, Sir, have any authority, assuming that they are acting under your directions, to pursue this inquisition?

Mr. SPEAKER

I cannot say on the spur of the moment under what authority I am acting. I will have it looked up; I rather think it was under the authority of a Treasury Minute. I am not quite certain, but as far as my recollection goes there was a Treasury Minute to the effect that in allotting the salaries to Members the amount they are receiving as military pay must be taken into consideration.

Mr. HEALY

Are we bound by the Minute of a Treasury clerk at 30s. a week?