HC Deb 29 June 1920 vol 131 cc241-3
46. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now say whether any decision has been reached with regard to supplying Members with franked envelopes from Departments in order to enable them to pass on Departmental replies to their correspondents free of charge?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As was promised by the Prime Minister, the subject has been very carefuly considered, but the Government have decided that it would not be desirable to adopt the course suggested in the question. If, however, any Member desires to save the cost of postage on such correspondence, it would be open to him, when forwarding a letter to the Minister concerned, to ask that a reply should be sent direct to the correspondent.

Mr. HOGGE

Is my right hon. Friend aware that scarcely any Member could feel confidence in these Departments that these letters would ever reach their correspondents; and, secondly, does my right hon. Friend mean that Ministers alone are to enjoy this privilege which they deny to every other Member of the House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The last question is a very old one. The position of Ministers is different in many respects. They enjoy larger salaries, for instance. With regard to the first part of the question, I hope the hon. Member is mistaken in not feeling confidence in the Departments.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House this assurance, that the Department will not only send a reply to the constituents in question, but will send a copy to the Member at the same time?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I should like to have that considered. Of course, it would mean double postage, but I will consider that.

Viscount CURZON

Will the right hon. Gentleman at least consider putting ordinary Members of Parliament on the same footing as Ministers, and rely on them to pay their motor fines by means of franked envelopes?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have never had that experience.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Has my right hon. Friend observed that outside bodies are subsidising Members of Parliament, and increasing their salaries in order to enable them to meet their expenses? Does he think that desirable?

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Assuming these Departments do as the right hon. Gentleman assures us they will do, and answer these questions correctly, what is the difference between their sending franked replies and sending them through Members?

Mr. BONAR LAW

There is great administrative difficulty to begin with, and great danger of abuses arising.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Cannot Members of the House of Commons be trusted?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is not Members of the House of Commons. If these franks are sent they must be available in all Departments, and cases of abuse arising were discovered during the War.

Mr. HOGGE

On account of the absolutely unsatisfactory nature of this reply, I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.