§ 65. Sir Reginald Blairasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the question of revising the system of payment of the salaries of Members of Parliament, so that they may consist of a fixed amount, together with a further amount based upon the electorate of their constituencies, having regard to the fact that a part of a Member's expenses depend upon the size of his electorate?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Assheton)I should deprecate any attempt to revise the basis of remuneration of Members of Parliament on the lines suggested.
§ Sir R. BlairIs my hon. Friend aware that his reply does not cause disappointment nor surprise although it is the antithesis of democracy which we profess?
§ Mr. AsshetonIn any event, it is more a matter for the House of Commons.
§ Sir T. MooreWould it not be wiser to base the payment of Members upon the number of supporters they have in their constituencies?