HC Deb 02 June 1921 vol 142 cc1231-3
81. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the civil servants in receipt of £500 a year and upwards have in the course of the last 12 months received by way of increases of their permanent salaries, in addition to the increases received for war bonus, a sum of £219,857, and that of this sum £42,300 has been received by civil servants in receipt of £2,000 a year and upwards; and whether, in framing the Estimates for 1922–23, with a view to a drastic reduction of expenditure in accordance with the Treasury circular of 13th May, 1921, it will be possible to revise the increases above referred to and in proper cases to reduce them?

Mr. YOUNG

The rates of salary at present authorised for the posts referred to are kept constantly under review and are liable to be reduced in any case in which the existing rate is considered to be more than adequate. With reference to my hon. and learned Friend's figures which are quoted, I believe, from my answer to his question of 28th April, I ought, perhaps, to explain that the increases payable by way of revision of salary and not as a result of promotion in vacancies do not amount to more than approximately one-third of the sum mentioned in my hon. and learned Friend's question.

Sir F. BANBURY

Am I right in understanding that these salaries can be reduced?

Mr. YOUNG

All salaries are subject to review, and can be reduced.

Sir F. BANBURY

Will the hon. Gentleman reduce them?

Mr. YOUNG

I should like to have notice of that question.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not rather invidious to select certain people's salaries for reduction? Ought it not to be done as a general measure by a Treasury proceeding?

Sir J. BUTCHER

When will an opportunity arise for reconsidering and reducing these salaries?

Mr. YOUNG

There will be no special opportunity, and no fixed time, but if the hon. and learned Gentleman will consult the answer I have just given to his question he will see that I say the rates of salary … are kept constantly under review, and are liable to be reduced …

Mr. STANTON

Will the hon. Gentleman consider at the same time reducing the salaries of Members of Parliament, and thereby fulfilling the desire of a large number of Members of this House to get rid of those who are impoverished?