§ 45. Mr. EVERARDasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the need for national economy and in order to set an example to the country, he will set up a Select Committee to inquire into the practicability of reducing the salaries of Members of Parliament by 12½ per cent.?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe salary of Members of Parliament was fixed at its present level in 1911, and in my judgment it cannot now be regarded as more than adequate. In the absence of a general desire in this House to examine the possibility of a reduction, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a Select Committee.
§ Mr. EVERARDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the directors of certain industrial firms have made sacrifices in this way, and does he not think that Members of Parliament should do the same?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is so, but it is not so much a matter of the sacrifice made as of the residuum after it is made.
§ Mr. HANNONWhat is the use of paying lip service to economy in our public services if some gesture of this kind is not made?
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEWill the right hon. Gentleman take an opportunity of testing the opinion of Members of the House on this question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf hon. Members wish to forgo their salaries, the Paymaster-General undoubtedly would be very glad to receive them.