HC Deb 18 December 1941 vol 376 c2074
47. Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider setting up a Select Committee to inquire whether the fact that Members are entitled to take subsistence allowances for fire-watching duties at the Palace of Westminster disqualifies them as holding offices of profit under the Crown?

Mr. Attlee

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is advised that Members who, under arrangements that have been made, may claim and receive subsistence allowance in the circumstances referred to in the Question are not disqualified from sitting and voting as Members of the House. I do not, therefore, think it necessary to ask the House to set up a Select Committee.

Mr. Mathers

In view of the assurance which the right hon. Gentleman has given, will he endeavour to encourage those who can conveniently do this work, but who are not helping those of us who are?

Mr. Attlee

I am quite sure that if hesitation to join in the work was due to apprehension about their position, that apprehension has now been removed.