HC Deb 12 May 1971 vol 817 cc375-6
38. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Lord President of the Council whether in view of the increased work load now imposed on the House of Lords, he will move for an increase in the daily allowance.

Mr. Whitelaw

No, Sir. It is not my direct responsibility.

Mr. Hamilton

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that I am now the self-appointed, unpaid, shop steward especially for the Labour Peers who are doing such a maginificent job of ensuring the full debate of the Industrial Relations Bill which this House was prevented from having? Will he show some compassion for this work in the public interest which is taking place along the other end of the corridor? Will he further tell us whether the pay of the Lords will come within the terms of reference of the Boyle Committee?

Mr. Whitelaw

I note that the hon. Gentleman has ascribed to himself a particular role. I always understood that shop stewards were well aware of the particular conditions they were discussing and arguing for their members. Perhaps it might help the hon. Member in his new role if I point out that there is no daily allowance for attendance in the House of Lords. It is open to peers to claim reimbursement of expenses which they have actually incurred, up to a maximum of £6.50. This is not remuneration and is unrelated to the work load.

Mr. Kaufman

May I, as a more zealous shop steward for the absurd institution along the way than my hon. Friend, put in a request—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order. Withdraw."] I withdraw the word "absurd" and substitute "antiquated and ridiculous". As a shop steward for that, may I suggest that an hourly allowance be instituted, thus preventing the possibility of the fastest clocking in and clocking out in British industry?

Mr. Whitelaw

Not being an expert in these matters, all I can say is that I have heard of very few shop stewards who start their job on the basis of decrying to the maximum the organisation of the people they are supposed to be representing. Therefore, the hon. Gentleman would not be a particularly satisfactory shop steward.