HC Deb 09 July 1923 vol 166 cc919-20
45. Mr. HUGHES

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of proposing a rule providing that the Parliamentary salary shall not be payable to a Member of this House during a period of suspension?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have no reason to believe that there is a general feeling in the House that such a rule should be laid down, but if it should be the case, I am prepared to put a Motion on the Paper, and to leave the result to the unfettered decision of the House. I can, however, hold out no hope that it would be possible to give time for any such Motion before the House rises.

Mr. HUGHES

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability, during the period of suspension, of reducing the salary of the suspended Member, at least in proportion to the unemployment dole?

Mr. SHINWELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman apply the principle fully, if at all, to Members of Parliament who do not fulfil their Parliamentary functions?