§ 86. Major CHURCHasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that an advertisement has appeared in the Press for an assistant mycologist in the Ministry of Agriculture's pathological laboratory at Harpenden, inviting applications from men and women; that the salary scale attached to the post if the successful application were a man would be £250 to £400 plus Civil Service bonus, but if a woman were successful the salary scale would be £200 to £300 plus Civil Service bonus; and whether this differentiation in pay between men and women possessing the same professional qualification and standing is a recognised practice of his Department?
§ Mr. BUXTONIt is the recognised rule of the Civil Service to differentiate in the pay of men and women. In this connection, I should refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 3rd instant by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a question by the Noble Lady the Member for Sutton (Viscountess Astor) as to women's salaries.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs there any differentiation between Members of the Ministry according to whether they are women or men?
§ Mrs. WINTRINGHAMIs it not the policy of the Government to give equal pay for equal qualifications and equal work?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe scales of salaries are determined by the Treasury.