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Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11124, 6 February 1930, Page 5

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SALE OF HONORS.. AMAZING STORY. LONDON, Jan. 22 In his book, “Lloyd George: A Study,” which Beun’s are about tv publish, Sir Charles Mallet, former Liberal M.P. for Plymouth and Financial Secretary to the War Office in 1910-11, makes startling allegations of trafficking in titles during Mr. Lloyd George’s regime as Coalition Prime Minister. “One gentleman was given to understand that the price of a knighthood ,vvas £SOOO with merit, and double that figure without merit. Baronetcies ranged from £25,000 to £40,000,” writes Sir Charles Mallet. “There was no nonsense about merit being allowed to interlere with the trade. Peerages naturally were dearer and the number offered therefore was unrestricted. Titero was no censorious sifting of candidates who were ready to subscribe. There were cases, apparent ]y, of payment by results. Before the coalition ended it is understood the fund secured £1,500,000. Sometimes a Cabinet Minister said a word to stimulate the traffic-. “There was a systematic search for gentlemen who would pay lnindsomely for lronors. Names were collected of men who were known to have made fortunes during the war. “The chief Coalition-Liberal Whips had junior whips, and the juniors had agents. These agents had travellers’ touts.

“No party which allows a single politician to use a fund thus' collected to purchase. support for himself can hope -to escape some loss in popular esteem.”