§ 33. Mr. ERSKINEasked the Prime Minister what steps, if any, the Government propose to take in the direction of reducing the salary of the Minister without Portfolio, in view of the strong feeling both inside and outside the House, more especially as expressed at the recent bye elections of St. George's and East Hertford?
41 and 42. Major C. LOWTHERasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he will leave to a free vote of the House the payment of a salary to a Minister without Portfolio;
881 (2) whether he can give an assurance to the House that it is not his intention to appoint an additional Minister without Portfolio at a salary?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI hope, in the course of the Debate, to give the attitude of the Government on this subject.
Mr. J. JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the result of the Heywood election?
Major LOWTHERIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it would be off considerable assistance to the House if he would state if this Supplementary Estimate is going to be made a matter of confidence or not?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is exactly the question which has been put to me.
Major LOWTHERThe right hon. Gentleman did not answer my question as to whether he can tell us beforehand whether this Vote will be made a matter of confidence or not.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI said in my reply that in the course of the Debate I would give the attitude of the Government.