§ Mr. CrookshankI have to inform the House that shortly after we adjourned for the Summer Recess it came to notice that the hon. Member for Perry Barr (Mr. C. Howell) was at the time of his election 39 a member of two panels constituted by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, one under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, 1946, and the other under the National Insurance Act, 1946. I am advised that these appointments may be offices of profit under the Crown, and, consequently, that the hon. Member may have been disqualified from being elected.
In accordance with the precedents, I will as soon as possible move for the appointment of a Select Committee to consider the position of the hon. Member.
My right hon. Friend terminated the hon. Member's appointment directly he was informed of the position and, pending the consideration of his case, the hon. Member is not, of course, taking any part in the proceedings of the House. Beyond that I do not think there is anything I can usefully or properly add at this stage.
§ Mr. AttleeMay I ask whether any progress has been made in trying to get this somewhat anomalous position set right? I understand that the hon. Member for Perry Barr (Mr. C. Howell) did not and could not have received any remuneration whatever for his services.
§ Mr. CrookshankI should not like to say anything further on this or similar cases before they have been investigated, because there are precedents.
§ Mr. J. HyndThe right hon. Gentleman promised before the Recess that legislation would be brought in to put these matters in order. Has any progress been made with that? If not, can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is likely to be brought forward?
§ Mr. CrookshankThat is the intention. [HON. MEMBERS: "When?"] It is before the House now.
§ Mr. DelargyWill the right hon. Gentleman introduce legislation enabling Members for Northern Ireland who have been legally elected to be released from prison and to take their seats here?