§ 57. Mr. HOLTasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that several hon. Members have accepted unpaid positions in various Government Departments in order to assist in the prosecution of the War and have virtually become unpaid Civil servants; whether such positions, as, for instance, that of Controller of the Priority Department of the Ministry of Munitions, unpaid, can be accepted by an hon. Member without vacating his seat; and whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to prevent any Member from unwittingly vacating his seat or exposing himself to penalties as a consequence of his public service?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Gordon HewartThe matter is at present before the Law Officers of the Crown for their opinion.
§ Sir G. HEWARTYes, I hope so.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs the Solicitor-General aware that this is a matter of urgency, and, as there is no statement at the present juncture, there are Members of this House who may be incurring penalties.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Solicitor-General has already given the answer that the matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. S. MacNEILLIs the Solicitor-General aware that this matter has been under consideration for the last ten days? How many days do you want?
§ Sir G. HEWARTNo Sir, I am certainly not aware of it.