BIRKENHEAD'S PENSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20113, 26 November 1928, Page 9

BIRKENHEAD'S PENSION

DISCUSSION IN COMMONS.

LABOUR , MEMBERS' SARCASM.

Australian Press Association—United Service

LONDON, Nov. 23

Tho pension of £SOOO to which the Earl of Birkenhead is entitled for liis services as Lord High Chancellor, 1919-22, was referrcd to in the course of the debate in the House of Commons on the bill to increase the Judicial Committee of tha Privy Council. Mr. J- H. Hudson, Labour member for Huddersfleld. said they were confronted by one of those Judges selling himself at auction and seeking positions which made it clear ho was out for a great deal moro than he had hitherto received. They should make it clear that there was no place for such a man in the High Court in future cases. The Attorney-General, Sir Thomas Inskip, said these tilings made peoplo think. In saying that he must not be taken in the least as criticising; Lord Birkenhead, who had taken a course he was perfectly entitled to take so far as the rules oI constitutional practice were concerned. The best check on errors of judgment would bo public opinion. Captain Wedgwood Benn, Labour member for Aberdeen North, said Lord Birkenhead enjoyed judicial emoluments and earned commercial emoluments at the same time.

Sir Thomas Inskip said he did not agree that the pension was in consideration of judicial duties at present being performed.