§ 45. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Assheton Pownallasked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to give the decision of the Government on the question of Members' salaries?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Baldwin)In accordance with the undertaking which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on 7th April, I have made careful inquiries into the question whether the salaries of Members of Parliament should be increased. The existing figure of £400 was fixed in 1911. It is, I think, obvious that, if £400 was adequate in the circumstances then existing, it cannot be so regarded in the very different conditions which prevail to-day. After careful consideration the Government have decided to propose to the House of Commons that the figure should be increased to £600. The necessary steps will be taken at an early date.
§ Sir A. PownallMay I be permitted to express my thanks to my right hon. Friend for the decision that has been arrived at?
§ Mr. Lees-SmithWill the proposal be framed in such a way as to enable the House, if it wishes, to use a fraction of the sum to create a scheme for a pension fund for Members of Parliament?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not in a position to-day to add anything to the answer I have given, but perhaps, if a question were put down at an early date, it would receive attention.
§ Sir Percy HarrisCan the right hon. Gentleman indicate when this proposal is likely to come into operation? Will it be at an early date?
§ The Prime MinisterIt might save time ii I repeat that I am unable to add anything to-day to my answer.
§ Mr. Michael BeaumontWill this proposal require fresh legislation; and, if so, or in any case, will my right hon. Friend consider the propriety, in view of the division of opinion in the House on this matter, of leaving it to a free vote of the House?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not certain that it would be an act of propriety on my part to consider anything that this House might do next week.