HC Deb 19 December 1921 vol 149 c403
37. Mr. C. WHITE

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in the interests of economy, it has been decided that, as was the case before the War, the salary of only one Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury shall be borne upon the Votes?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. No decision has been taken upon this matter.

Mr. WHITE

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that on 23rd June he promised that the situation should be reviewed, and said that was an agreement which should not be perpetuated, and if that is so, could there be a more fitting opportunity, in the interest of economy, to take some action in this matter?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not recognise the quotation.

Mr. WHITE

I have it here.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If the hon. Member will send it to me, I will refresh my memory. What I think I said was that this was a matter which would come under discussion between the rising of the House and its meeting next year.

Mr. WHITE

Is it not a fact that the principal work of one of these gentlemen is in the country and not in this House, and should he be paid his £2,000 a year for that?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The work of both these gentlemen is both in the country and in this House, and is similar to that which has always been executed by their predecessors.