HC Deb 22 March 1917 vol 91 cc2053-4
51. Mr. BILLING

asked the Prime Minister whether he will, prior to this House going into Committee on the Courts (Emergency Powers) Bill, lay upon the Table of this House a list containing the names of all Members of the House of Commons who are at present contracting with the Government, together with a statement showing the gross value of each Member's contract; and, failing this, will he state to this House what objection the Government have to taking this action?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Mr. BILLING

Might I ask whether it it is not proposed to introduce a Bill for the purpose of relieving certain Members of this House from the consequences of a grave breach of the laws of this House and of purity in public life, and whether, as we are to Debate this Bill in the House, we should not have the opportunity before debating it of knowing whom we are relieving and to what extent?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I believe that the subject is being considered by the Law Officers to ascertain whether any legislation is necessary, but it is certainly not being considered with a view that there has been any lack of purity in public life.

Mr. S. MacNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this proposal embodied in this legislation is in direct violation of the celebrated Contractors Act of 1782?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am not aware of that fact.

Mr. MacNEILL

You ought to be.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Clause 4 (a) of this Bill does give an indemnity?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes.

Mr. BILLING

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it compatible with public dignity or honesty that Members of this House should vote public money into their own pockets?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for the Committee stage of the Bill.