HC Deb 21 May 1940 vol 361 cc20-2
39. Mr. Denman

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the absence of a substantial Opposition, he will introduce legislation for the temporary suspension of the salary of the Leader of the Opposition?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

In view of the formation of a Government embracing the three main political parties, His Majesty's Government is of opinion that the provision of the Ministers of the Crown Act, 1937, relating to the payment of a salary to the Leader of the Opposition, is in abeyance for the time being. As at present advised I do not think that amending legislation as suggested by my hon. Friend is necessary.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Why not give it to the hon. Member?

Major Sir George Davies

Would my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of paying this money into the central fund for the provisions of pensions for Members instead of putting it into cold storage for the duration of the emergency?

Mr. Hannah

Is it not wanted for carrying on the war?

Mr. Maxton

Can we be assured that my right hon. Friend will revert to the previous practice as soon as there is a suitable candidate for the position?

The Prime Minister

I must not pass opinions on matters which have a legal aspect, but I can assure my hon. Friend that if personal considerations alone were at stake my answer would have been very different.

Sir Herbert Williams

May I ask whether, as there is to be no Leader of the Opposition, we can be assured that right hon. Gentlemen and hon. Gentlemen sitting on the Benches opposite will not have any privileges over other back benchers?

Mr. Maxton

I am interested in this matter. May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether any steps will be taken to regularise the position in this House which has not, as the Prime Minister said, left the House without an Opposition? May I ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider every aspect of this matter, the least important of which is the financial aspect?

Mr. Denman

As the law stands at present is it clear that the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) is not entitled to the position of Leader of the Opposition?

The Prime Minister

I did not give my answer without taking every form of advice.

Mr. Maxton

The answer seems to indicate that not only is the salary of the Leader of the Opposition being put into abeyance but that there is an attempt being made to put opposition into abeyance—[HON. MEMBERS: "No," and "You leave that to us."]—I am asking whether any reasonable method of discussion will be taken to decide how the affairs of the House are to be conducted in the new situation?

The Prime Minister

If any attempt has been made to suppress the idea of criticism in this House it is apparent already that it has failed. With regard to the methods of dealing with the questions relating to business and debate I think those are very proper matters to be considered and no doubt they will be considered.

Mr. Thurtle

Arising from the Prime Minister's reply with regard to this matter of the Opposition, is it not a fact that the small group led by the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) have, on the whole, been the best supporters of the Conservative party?

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the fact that there is within the House a very considerable opposition to this Government and its policy will there be any effort made by you, Mr. Speaker, to make arrangements so that the Opposition can express itself as a definite opposition to the Government and the policy of the Government?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member can rest assured that I will always do my best to ensure that all points of view shall be stated.

Captain Sir William Brass

In view of the fact that we have such a large Government and that the whole of the House is supporting the Government, is it not possible for Ministers to sit on both Front Benches?

Mr. Speaker

A Question on that subject is being put to me later.