§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister what is the cost to the Exchequer of the present payment of four and a half guineas a day tax-free expense allowance to members of the House of Lords, and their travelling expenses; and what he estimates will be the cost of implementing those parts of the Government's proposals for House of Lords reform which involve salaries of £2,000 per annum, with and without free travel allowances.
§ The Prime MinisterThe charge to the Appropriation Account in the financial year ended 31st March, 1968, in respect of the expenses incurred by Peers for the purpose of attending the House of Lords was £103,698; and in respect of travelling expenses £28,318. The White Paper on House of Lords reform does not suggest any particular salary or allowances for members of the reformed House, but proposes that their remuneration should be referred to an independent body similar to the Committee on Remuneration of Ministers and Members of Parliament.
84W
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether, before seeking to change the payments made to the members of the House of Lords, he will cause an investigation to be made to ascertain to what extent payment is needed by those peers who have other sources of income, and to recommend on what basis such payments should be made.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend on 7th November.—[Vol. 772, c. 161.]