§ Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that in 1954 the Select Committee appointed to inquire into Members' salaries reported that the average expenses incurred then by Members in carrying out their parliamentary duties was £750 per annum; and what the latest average figure is, taking into account the depreciation in the purchasing value of the £ sterling since 1953.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe figure of £750 was the average amount of Members' expenses allowable for Income Tax purposes for the financial year 1952–53. 133W Information for the financial year 1956–57 is not complete, but it is estimated that the corresponding figure for that year is about £880. It cannot be estimated how much of the increase is attributable to the rise in prices.