HC Deb 14 April 1932 vol 264 cc997-8
40. Mr. MAXTON (for Mr. McGOVERN)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of legal fees and salary paid to the Attorney-General and the Lord Advocate during the period of office of the late Labour Government, 1929 to 1931?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The salaries and fees of the Attorney-General and the Lord Advocate in the period from the 10th June, 1929, to the 23rd August, 1931, are as follow:

— Salary. Fees. Total.
£ £ £
Attorney-General 15,431 29,127 44,558
Lord Advocate 10,912 — 10,912
The Lord Advocate's salary covers the whole of the official business undertaken by him.

Mr. MAXTON

Has there been any reduction of these rates since the National Government came into office?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

A considerable reduction.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

What, then, must have been the salaries they were drawing before there was a reduction? Why should the Lord Advocate over and above his Parliamentary salary draw £10,000 a year? It is a shame!

Mr. MAXTON

May we take it that with the reduction since the National Government came in they are still drawing substantial emoluments?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The word "substantial," perhaps, is a matter of opinion.