§ 79. Sir K. WOODasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the nature of the proposal that the Law Officers have made for a reduction of their emoluments; what is the estimated amount of the proposed annual reduction; and whether the same is retrospective and also a free gift to the Exchequer for the forthcoming year, or will involve a permanent annual reduction of such emoluments?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)I am not in a position at present to make any further announcement on this subject.
§ Sir K. WOODSeeing that the Chancellor of the Exchequer informed us that this offer had been made, why is there any secrecy concerning it?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCESeeing that the English Law Officers have, on their own initiative, made an offer to forgo part of their emoluments, I think it would be more seemly if hon. Gentlemen opposite would curb their impatience until the details are available.
§ Sir K. WOODWill the hon. Gentleman, at any rate, state whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer has closed with the offer?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEI have nothing further to add at present.
§ 82. Sir K. WOODasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now state the nature of the contributions that are to be made by Members of the Cabinet to assist the national financial situation; and whether the same will be made by way of deduction from Ministerial salaries and be retrospective?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEI am not at present in a position to add anything to what my right hon. Friend has said on this subject.
§ Sir K. WOODWhat is the secrecy about this matter? Has anything gone wrong? Is anybody backing out of it?
§ Sir ASSHETON POWNALLAs the original statement was made in the economy Debate of last February, and as it is now May, cannot the hon. Gentleman say when we may expect an answer to the question?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEA further announcement will be made in due course.