HC Deb 17 September 1931 vol 256 cc1012-3
50. Mr. GEORGE HARDIE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to cut by 10 per cent. the royal annuities?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

I would refer the hon. Member to the recent announcements in the Press from which he will observe that His Majesty the King and the other members of the Royal Family are by their own wish participating in the movement for the reduction of national expenditure.

Mr. HARDIE

May I ask if that refers to Royal annuities amounting to £106,000, given to six persons, as follows—[Interruption.]

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot have this information given at Question Time.

Mr. HARDIE

I am trying to get information. Did the statement which was made in the Press refer only to His Majesty's household, or did it include these annuities, which I desire to read now in order that the Chancellor of the Exchequer may inform—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has had the answer to his question.

Mr. HARDIE

Only to one section, not to the section in regard to annuities.

Mr. SPEAKER

This is not a time for giving information, but a time for eliciting information.

Mr. HARDIE

What I want to know is whether it applies to annuities—[Interruption.]

HON MEMBERS

Answer!

Mr. SNOWDEN

I will look into the matter.