§ 47. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Prime Minister if he will provide an opportunity for the House to consider the possibility of increasing the maximum allowances payable under the House of Commons Members Fund Act, 1939, at present limited to £150 per annum for an ex-Member and £75 for his widow and children, in view of the fact that as no grants from the National Exchequer are involved the matter cannot be raised in any Vote of Supply.
§ The Prime MinisterI am advised that further experience is desirable before legislation to amend the House of Commons Members Fund Act, 1939, can usefully be considered. No confident estimate can yet be made of the number of Members who will retire, or will fail to secure re-election at the next General Election. At the end of a Parliament of unusual duration, a large proportion of Members will be qualified by length of service to apply for pensions. I would remind my hon. Friend that matters concerning the Fund were 238 discussed on 10th June last and I regret that, owing to the present state of business, I cannot afford a special opportunity for a Debate.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesCan the Prime Minister say whether we may take it, therefore, that a Fund like this is impossible of any actuarial calculation, so that benefits cannot be paid in relation to contributions on the usual actuarial calculations?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, I think that a Fund like this rests on the basis which was decided by the House. An exceptional strain may fall upon it, and no provision has been made yet to meet such an exceptional strain.