Q2. Mr. R. Gresham Cookeasked the Prime Minister, in view of the needs of many sections of the community whose problems may merit examination by a Royal Commission, by what criteria he decides whether to advise the appointment of a Royal Commission.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydI have been asked to reply.
549 My right hon. Friend decides these questions on their merits.
Mr. Gresham CookeIf conditions for setting up a Royal Commission to inquire into one section of the community must be conditions in America, will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that for many years salaries and wages in America have been double those in this country? We in this overcrowded island have never been averse to fertilising America with brains of all kinds which have emigrated there. If we are to judge by American conditions, there might be a case for the whole country emigrating, including Members of Parliament. Does not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that there is nothing new in what is going on at the moment?
§ Mr. LloydIn view of all this talk about the emoluments which may be available in another country. I think that their purchasing power should also be considered.