§ Mr. Lomasasked the Lord President of the Council if he will take immediate steps to rectify the anomaly whereby if an hon. Member has decided not to contest the next General Election, and has given notice to his party to that effect, he will receive no severance pay at all, but if he decides to stand in another constituency, he will receive three months salary in the form of severance pay; and if he will restrict this right to hon. Members who have served a minimum of five years, and given an undertaking that they do not intend to seek re-election to the House at any future General Election.
§ Mr. FootAs my hon. Friend knows, the general issue of severance pay is being looked at by the Review Body on Top Salaries. I intend to await the Review Body's recommendation before proposing any changes.