§ 34. Mr. Hefferasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether she has considered the case of a Liverpool alderman, details of which have been sent to her by the honourable Member for Liverpool, Walton; and what action is being taken to change her regulations in connection with this and other similar cases.
§ Miss HerbisonI understand that the decision to disallow benefit in this case has been reviewed in the light of further evidence. I am writing to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. HefferI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply and await her further reply.
Later—
§ Sir C. TaylorOn a point of order. Many hon. Members on this side did not understand Question No. 34. Nor did we understand the Answer. As the Question and Answer may affect quite a number of aldermen of the Liverpool City Corporation, may I ask for the right hon. Lady's answer by letter to be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT?
§ Mr. SpeakerNo. There is no basis on which I could ask for that to be done.
§ Sir C. TaylorWith the greatest respect, Mr. Speaker, if I asked you this question again tomorrow would you consider that the Minister's letter might be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT explaining what Question No. 34 is about and what the Answer is about, because I think that the House is entitled to know?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have no machinery or power for doing anything of the kind. To avoid the mention of names, it is not unusual for a matter to be put anonymously or for hon. Members to ask Questions in a form something like this.
§ Sir C. TaylorI am sorry to press this point. This may affect a good many aldermen at Liverpool. There is something in this which may be an unpleasant implication—an innuendo. Surely the House is entitled to ask for an explanation of the Question and of the Answer?
§ Mr. SpeakerMy powers are not governed by the multiplicity of persons referred to; they are not altered by that fact.