– in the House of Commons at on 5 August 1924.
Mr Innes Stranger
, Newbury
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer if he can give the cost to the State of free railway travelling for Members of Parliament between Parliament and their constituencies up to 1st August, 1924; and whether the Treasury can make arrangements with the railway companies which will result in greater saving to the State?
Mr Philip Snowden
, Colne Valley
The accounts covering the period referred to have not yet been received from the railway companies. If the hon. Member will repeat his question after the Recess, I hope to be in a position to give him the information for which he asks.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this system was introduced the London Members have been worsted?
Mr Philip Snowden
, Colne Valley
I do not understand how that is so.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
Simply because the Inland Revenue Department refuse to allow us travelling expenses in connection with Income Tax.
Lord Huntingfield
, Eye
Is it not a fact that the Socialist Members are clamouring for free passes over the whole of the railways of England?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
Is it still the fact that no single Member of Parliament has signified his intention not to use these passes?
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
A Member of Parliament (MP) is elected by a particular area or constituency in Britain to represent them in the House of Commons. MPs divide their time between their constituency and the Houses of Parliament in London. Once elected it is an MP's job to represent all the people in his or her constituency. An MP can ask Government Ministers questions, speak about issues in the House of Commons and consider and propose new laws.
