HC Deb 25 July 1927 vol 209 cc840-1
50. Mr. HURD

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to provide adequate State recognition and self-sacrificing and devoted services to medicine, science, philosophy, and literature, he will arrange for an increase in the Civil List pension of about £75 for a person now awarded, or supplement that sum by some other form of recognition?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The amount which can be distributed in any year is strictly limited by the statutory provisions of the Civil List Act. In present circumstances, I cannot contemplate the introduction of legislation to revise that arrangement.

Mr. HURD

Does my right hon. Friend regard £75 a year as adequate recognition when devotion to science sometimes causes the loss of a limb?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Questions like that really ought not to be raised at Question Time. They certainly cannot be carried to any satisfactory solution then.

Mr. HURD

Would it not be possible to lessen the number of recipients so as to give an adequate sum to those who receive annuities?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That is a matter for debate.

Mr. HARRIS

Has consideration been given to the increased cost of living in the last 20 years?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The total sum available is very small, and the Prime Minister has to divide it as advantageously as possible. If it were thought by the House that the matter should be revised, some Motion ought to be put down and some opportunity taken of debating the matter.

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