§ 55. Mr. Marloweasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will arrange for 40 per cent. of the salaries of His Majesty's judges to be free of tax so that they may carry out their duties with dignity and efficiency having regard to the precedent set in the case of the Prime Minister's salary for the same purpose.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir. There is no analogy between the salary of the Prime Minister and that of His Majesty's judges.
§ Mr. MarloweIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that these salaries have remained unchanged since 1832, and that comparable salaries of Cabinet Ministers have increased and there have been emoluments and motor cars. Is he aware that a High Court judge who recently tried a prisoner at the Old Bailey, and released him on bail overnight, found himself sitting in the bus with the prisoner going home? Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman 216 think that is a blow to the dignity of the High Court?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am aware of all these facts.
§ Captain John CrowderCan the Chancellor of the Exchequer say why no travelling allowances are given to His Majesty's judges?
§ Mr. FernyhoughCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether there is any shortage of manpower in that particular profession?
§ Sir S. CrippsI could not say at the moment.