37. Captain TERRELLasked the Prime Minister if the Cabinet would consider the advisability of introducing legislation to amend the Superannuation Acts so that the House of Commons could control the public expenditure connected with the salaries, war bonuses, and pensions of all civil servants; and, in the event of this not being possible, will he state the considered objections of the Cabinet to such a proposition?
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Leader of the House)Salaries and bonus are not regulated by Statute, and alterations in them do not require legislative sanction. Salaries are voted annually by the House.
Captain TERRELLWas the Financial Secretary correct when replying to me in stating that the Treasury has full power to increase the salaries or the bonus of civil servants under the Superannuation Acts?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not quite understand what my hon. and gallant Friend is quoting from, but salaries are of course regulated at intervals by the Treasury, but subject to the control of this House.
Captain TERRELLIn the event of any movement taking place to compound the war bonus and salaries, will the House have an opportunity of discussing it?
§ Mr. SPEAKERSir William Davison.
Captain TERRELLOn a point of Order. I have asked several questions on this subject day after day and I cannot get a clear answer from the Front Bench. Only the other day—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must not argue. The question which he has put on the Paper has been answered.