HC Deb 03 June 1924 vol 174 cc1067-8
51. Mr. FOOT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proposed commutation at 21 years' purchase of the remaining portion of the pension originally granted to the first Duke of Schomberg is subject to the confirmation of the Courts of Law; and whether this House will be given the opportunity of discussing the terms of the commutation?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The assent of the Court is not necessary, as the recipient of this annuity is not a limited owner. I fear that it would not be possible to give special time for discussion.

Mr. FOOT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an undertaking was given many years ago that the House should have an opportunity of expressing its opinion upon the terms of the commutation, and whether he thinks that undertaking is complied with merely by a Paper being placed upon the Table and no time being given to discuss it?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I cannot help but be aware of the fact stated by my hon. Friend, because he has reminded me of it. It is quite impossible, in the present congested state of business, to give special time for a discussion of this subject. I can only advise my hon. Friend to keep on the lookout for an opportunity.

Mr. FOOT

I should be quite satisfied if I got ordinary time and not special time.

52. Mr. FOOT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the deductions from the perpetual pension of £500 now being paid to Major W. S. Gosling by which the gross pension of £500 is reduced to £360 net?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The deductions represent the sum of various former taxes and charges on the pension. The payment has been made in the present form since 1834, under an Act of that year.

53. Mr. FOOT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated saving to the Treasury in the proposed commutation, at 21 years' purchase, of the pension now being paid to Major W. S. Gosling, being the remaining portion of the pension originally granted to the first Duke of Schomberg?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I anticipate that a saving will be effected, but as I explained on a previous occasion the amount depends on the rate at which the Treasury can raise the commutation money as provided by the Act of 1873. Until the transaction is completed I cannot say what this rate will be.