“Members desiring to take their seats will please come to the Table,” said the Speaker.
The observation did not appear relevant. It met the occasion. It brought up Leverton Harris, newly elected for East Worcestershire, who found his welcome the warmer by reason of the fact that he had been a passive instrument in avoiding what might under less adroit management have developed into a disorderly scene.
Business done.—Premier announces Conference upon Ulster question to meet at Buckingham Palace on the invitation of His Majesty.
Tuesday.—Dull sitting closed in lively conversation arising on motion for adjournment. Rupert Gwynne, jealous for due observance of traditions of House, has noticed with concern the departure for Canada for indefinite period of Member for East St. Pancras. At Question time asked Chancellor of Exchequer whether Mr. Martin had applied for Chiltern Hundreds. Answered in the negative, he put a further question to Premier, directing his attention to Act of 6 Henry VIII. c. 16, ordering that no Member of Parliament shall absent himself from attendance except he have licence of Mr. Speaker. This upon pain of having his wages docked. Premier brushed him aside with one of his brief answers.
Gwynne not the man to be shouldered off the path of duty when it lies straight before him. Here was a Member in receipt of £400 a year leaving the place of business where it was assumed to be earned, not even taking the trouble to follow example of the clerk who, left in sole charge of his master’s office, wrote in legible hand, “Back D’reckly,” affixed notice to front door and went forth to enjoyment of prolonged meal.
Since he could get no satisfaction at Question time he kept Members in, after hour of adjournment, in order to debate subject.
Unfortunately it turned out that he was not exactly the man to have undertaken the job. Amid laughter and hilarious cheering Home Secretary pointed out that here was a case of Satan reproving sin. Reference to the records showed that during the time payment of Members has been in vogue, of 687 divisions Gwynne was absent from 424. (Gwynne later corrected these figures.) During that time he had drawn from the Exchequer salary amounting to £1,000.
“On his own principle, that payment should be in proportion to attendance, the hon. Member,” said the Home Secretary, “is entitled to only £400. Being so conscientious no doubt he will repay to the Chancellor of the Exchequer the balance of £600.”
Helmsley, gallantly coming to assistance of friend in dire straits, himself fell into the bog. It appeared that of 1056 divisions taken in two Sessions he had been absent from 602. Here was another unexpected little windfall for the Exchequer.