PENSIONS FOR MEMBERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1926, Page 9

PENSIONS FOR MEMBERS.

A SCHEME SUBMITTED

HONOR ARIA INSUFFICIENT,

THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSIDERATION

(By Wire--Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, Last Night.

Superannuation for Members of Parliament was advocated by Mr. Sidey to-day. He had scarcely commenced his plea when Mr. Nosworthy interjected with, “Oh, that has been talked about for 30 years.” Mr. Sidey: Yes, and I am sure it deserves the consideration- of the Minister and the Government because things are not quite the same to-day as they were a number of years ago. A large number of members come to the House whose sole means of livelihood is their honorarium. Moreover the work ia increasing continually and occupies members pretty fully during the recess, as well as fully during the session. A scheme has been elaborated, which I think is not unreasonable, and which might be regarded as supplementing salaries which are admitted to be less than what is reasonable having regard to the responsibilities and to what is paid in other- countries. A scheme has been worked out whereby a contribution of £lOO a year would serve to establish a fund out of which retiring allowances could be paid to members who had served in at least three Parliaments. There were many eases of ex-members who were unable to go back to their old employment and therefore found themselves in difficult straits. The questions of remuneration and of superannuation should both be considered.

The Hon. Mr. Nosworthy replied: "So far we have not had time to consider the matter as we would like to. No doubt Cabinet will review the whole position in the recess, but at present I can say no mere.”