24 DECEMBER 1937, Page 3

The report of the departmental committee on Pensions for Members

is a disappointment. No doubt the number of ex-members who fall upon evil days is small. But every- one knows that such cases do occur. The committee recom- mend a compulsory levy on all M.P.s of £i a month and estimate that a pension could then be provided in each case sufficient to bring the income of the ex-member from all sources up to £150 a year. The income of widows could be made up. to £75. To most people these will seem to be beggarly pittances. It has never been suggested that the State should contribute. But there are many in the House of Commons who could well afford, and who would probably be willing, to make a more substantial contribution than £12 per annum.