§ 34. Dr. Winstanleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to ensure that back-bench Members are effectively represented in any discussions which take place on the effects of the Government pension scheme on Members' pensions.
§ Mr. DiamondThe Government are always ready to receive representations from hon. and right hon. Gentlemen on matters affecting them.
§ Dr. WinstanleyThe right hon. Gentleman's previous reply suggested that this matter was to be decided by the Whips. Is he aware that many back benchers are anxious about the possible fate of their pensions under the new arrangements, and that they may not be disposed to accept an agreement about their pensions reached in secret through the so-called usual channels?
§ Mr. DiamondI said nothing about "in secret" or "the usual channels". I said that the Government are always prepared to accept representations from hon. and right hon. Gentlemen on matters affecting them.
§ Mr. Arthur LewisIs my right hon. Friend not aware that the Whips select the hon. Members they want, the committees meet and come to decisions without hon. Members having the opportunity to put their points of view, and those decisions are imposed on hon. Members, as has been done recently on other matters?
§ Mr. DiamondI am not aware of the Whips imposing anything. I am sure that my hon. Friend shares with me the joy of coming to the House regularly to do our duty voluntarily.
§ Sir R. CaryIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trustees of the Members' Fund, of which I am privileged to be chairman, keep these matters under constant review, and that the trustees represent all hon. Members?
§ Mr. DiamondI am most grateful to the hon. Gentleman, and I should like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Government, to pay a tribute to the great work which he and his colleagues do.