46. Captain TERRELLasked the Prime Minister whether, to stimulate national economy, he will consider the desirability of a reduction in all Ministerial salaries, and especially those which were raised during and immediately after the War?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Report of the Select Committee on the remuneration of Ministers recommended increases in certain Ministerial salaries and decreases in others, but no action has been taken on this report, and none is proposed at present; and the only Ministerial salary raised during or immediately after the War is that of the Lord Privy Seal.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this Government has at any time dealt with the Select Committee's Report?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI cannot say that. We have been very busily engaged with much more important matters. As the hon. Member knows, the Prime Minister did not think it right that he should accept the increase which the Select Committee suggested in his own case.
§ Mr. HOGGEApart from the Prime Minister, is not the Government going to make a readjustment in the scale of salaries of various Ministers, having regard to the inequalities of salaries for the various offices?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINWe have not found time to consider the matter. There is a good deal to be said on the one side and the other. It would probably be convenient, if any alterations are to be made, to make them when a new Government is formed, or when there is a general reorganisation.
§ Mr. HALLSWould the Government consider the advisability of adopting a sliding scale in accordance with the cost of living?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt would have been to the great advantage of His Majesty's Ministers if that suggestion had been adopted. As it is, no con sideration of the cost of living has been allowed to affect the salaries paid to Ministers.