56 and 57. Major NEWMANasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that less than one-half its elected Members are able or willing to give this House the benefit of their attendance, and that Members of one political party has decided to withdraw from its sitting altogether; and whether, as Members are now paid a salary to defray the expenses consequent on their attendance, he proposes to recommend that the drawing of salary shall be contingent on the carrying out the duties for which it was voted; (2) whether he is aware of the resentment that is felt by the taxpayers of the country on being called on to pay yearly salaries to Members of this House who, for political reasons, business engagements, or mere lack of interest, decline to attend the sittings of the House for long periods together; and, with a view to the money of the taxpayer 2153 being saved, will he consider the advisability of the payment of Members being made not by the year but by the sitting?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot add anything to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth on 1st May.