8. Major NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade what fee or remuneration for out-of-pocket expenses is paid to members of the Commission now sitting and taking evidence with regard to the nationalisation of the coal mines; is any fee or remuneration paid to those who elect or are requested to give evidence before that Commission; and what is the estimated total cost of the sittings of the Commission to the taxpayer?
The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Robert Home)I have been asked to answer this question: No fees are paid to the members of the Commission or to the witnesses, but they receive the usual subsistence allowances and necessary traveling expenses. The Commission is still sitting, and it not possible at present to estimate the total cost until the Commission has ceased to sit.
§ Sir R. HORNEI am afraid I cannot tell you in detail, but they are the usual allowances given in similar circumstances?