HC Deb 18 June 1940 vol 362 cc32-3
59. Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the interest of national economy, the Government will consider the advisability of repealing 2 and 3 William IV, chap. III?

Sir K. Wood

No, Sir, I am not prepared to adopt this suggestion.

Mr. Hall

Is not the Chancellor aware that there is a war on, and that this pension which, under the Statute, is payable to the Lord Chancellor is payable free of all taxation and other drawbacks? Does he think that is fair and right at this time?

Sir K. Wood

I was asked whether I was prepared to consider the advisability of repealing these Sections. As the hon. Member no doubt knows, it is the usual custom for an ex-Lord Chancellor in receipt of a pension to give services and to sit as a judge in Appeals to the Supreme Tribunal; and if the suggestion of the hon. Member were carried out, it would mean, as far as money is concerned, that somebody else would have to be paid for doing these things.

Mr. Hall

Surely, the Lord Chancellor is entitled to the same sort of pension as an ex-Cabinet Minister gets. Ought not that to be sufficient? [Interruption.] I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.