§ 57. Major HORE BELISHAasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement as to the reasons which have induced the Government to modify the pay of new entrants into the Services; and whether he will state exactly what reductions have been made, and are further proposed to be made, in the pay of these new entrants and in the pay of the Services generally?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe Report of the Committee on the Pay, etc., of State Servants 365 which was published in 1923 explains fully why the rates of pay fixed in 1919 are not appropriate to the conditions of to-day. So many points of detail are involved in the revision that I am unable to give them by answer in the House, and with the hon. Member's permission I will send him copies of the various Orders which have been issued on the matter. As regards the third part, certain of the existing rates of pay still remain to be reviewed by the Cabinet Committee in regard to their application to new entrants, but the main task of revision has already been completed.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Anderson Committee to which he referred recommended a reduction in the pay of ratings already serving, and will he firmly undertake that that is not the intention of the Government?
§ Mr. McNEILLI think that is already stated in my answer.
Sir R. HALLMay I ask whether there is any intention of reducing the pay of Civil Service entrants on the same scale?
§ Mr. McNEILLI could not answer that question without notice.
§ Mr. W. BAKERMay I ask whether these reductions were made by Order in Council and under what authority?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNotice of that question ought to be given.
§ Mr. McNEILLAs the hon. Member knows, I have not been very long in this Department, and I should require notice of that question.