HC Deb 13 March 1924 vol 170 cc2545-6
80. Mr. FOOT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the commutation of perpetual pensions in past years, any better terms have been secured for the Treasury than those upon which it is proposed to terminate the pension now being paid to Lord Rodney?

Mr. SNOWDEN

With the single exception of one case in 1891 the answer is in the negative.

Mr. FOOT

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the House will have an opportunity of discussing the terms of commutation here in accordance with the notice which I have placed upon the Paper?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I understand that the only way in which this question can be raised is by a private Member making, or taking advantage of, some opportunity which may arise.

Mr. FOOT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the Treasury notice which has been issued, reference is made to the fact that the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer some years ago gave an undertaking that none of these pensions should be commuted without a decision of the House being taken?

Mr. SNOWDEN

That is so, and it is by virtue of that undertaking that this matter is being laid upon the Table of the House. There was no statutory obligation to do it.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is there any truth in the statement that the Government intend giving 21 years' purchase for this particular pension?

Mr. SNOWDEN

Those are the terms in which it is proposed to commute.

Mr. B. TURNER

Shall we have the opportunity as Members of the House of Commons of resisting publicity and voting against the payment of this extortionate sum of money?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I know of nothing to prevent hon. Members of this House protesting publicly.

Mr. TURNER

Can we vote?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The opportunities of dealing with the matter are limited in the way which I have described in the answer.

Mr. PRINGLE

Would the Chancellor of the Exchequer consider it a fulfilment of the undertaking given some years ago, referred to in the Minute, if my hon. Friend were allowed to raise this question after 11 o'clock?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I have already said that the hon. Member, or any other hon. Member who is interested in this matter, must use his wits to search out methods and take advantage of an opportunity.

Dr. CHAPPLE

Is this commutation final, or can it be stopped or modified?

Mr. SNOWDEN

It is subject to the leave of the Court of Chancery.