HC Deb 10 September 1931 vol 256 cc268-9
4. Mr. LAWTHER

asked the Minister of Labour if he is in a position to state when the White Paper will be issued giving the details of the amounts received by chairmen of Courts of Referees?

Sir H. BETTERTON

This return has been compiled. In order to save the expense of printing and publication, it has been arranged to have two typed copies placed in the Library.

Mr. LAWTHER

Some time ago we were promised that this information would be published as a White Paper in order that we might see exactly who is taking money out of this fund without contributing.

Sir H. BETTERTON

If the hon. Member will consult the return in the Library, he will get all the information which he requires. The return is very voluminous, and it would cost a considerable sum to print. Therefore, I would ask the hon. Member to extract from the copy in the Library such information as he requires.

Mr. MILLS

If the expense is to be considered, would not the printing of the return in the OFFICIAL REPORT make it more accessible to Members at no extra cost to anyone?

Sir H. BETTERTON

If the hon. Member will look at the return in the Library, he will find that it would take up a whole issue of the OFFICIAL REPORT. It is a very long return indeed.

5. Mr. LAWTHER

asked the Minister of Labour if any reduction is to be made to chairmen of Courts of Referees for presiding at such courts; and whether any consultations have taken place with them as to the amount, if any?

Sir H. BETTERTON

This matter is under consideration.

Mr. LAWTHER

Are we to understand that these gentlemen will be consulted?

Sir H. BETTERTON

This matter is having my immediate and urgent consideration. I cannot at this moment undertake that they will be consulted individually or collectively.

Mr. McSHANE

Does the hon. Gentleman say that he consulted the chairmen of Courts of Referees before agreeing to a reduction; and, if so, why did he not consult other sections of the community?

Sir H. BETTERTON

No, Sir; I have not consulted them, and I do not give any undertaking that I shall consult them.