§ 68. Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLasked the Solicitor-General whether his attention has been directed to the possible change under the provisions of the Place Acts in the status, as a Member of the House of Commons, of the right hon. Member for Barnard Castle on becoming the recipient of a payment or pension of £5,000 sterling per annum at the pleasure of the Crown although he, as a member of the War Cabinet without a portfolio, is the holder of no office or place of profit under the Crown known either to the law or the Constitution: and what steps, if any, will be taken, having regard to the doubts or difficulties incident to this position, to secure the right hon. Gentleman against the possible danger which may arise in the event of a continuation on his part by sitting and voting in the House of Commons, of the provisions of the Place Acts and the consequences of such continuation?
§ Sir G. HEWARTMy attention has: been directed by the question of my hon. and learned Friend to the matter 1555 therein mentioned. The question, however, would seem to arise out of a misconception. My right hon. Friend the Member for Barnard Castle appears clearly to be the holder of an office or place of profit under the Crown, and it is not correct to describe him as the recipient of a payment or pension at the pleasure of the Crown.
§ Mr. MacNEILLAs this is a matter of law, I am sure you, Mr. Speaker, will excuse me from asking any supplementary questions.