§ 68. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when it is expected that the investigations now being held by the Royal Commission into the conditions of service in the Civil Service will be completed and their report published?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEI understand that the Commission have nearly completed the hearing of evidence but I am not in a position to forecast when the report will be published. I trust, however, that it may be available within a few months.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the Royal Commission addressing itself to the cost-of-living figure for civil servants?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEI have not followed the details of the Royal Commission.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAAre not the Government seeking guidance on that important matter?
§ Mr. PETHICK - LAWRENCEThe Government are seeking guidance on the whole matter.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIn view of the progress of this Commission, is it not possible for the Government to postpone any reduction in the wages of civil servants?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEMy right hon. Friend has already explained that this is an automatic change corresponding to the cost-of-living carried out in accordance with agreements already in operation.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODHow can we expect employers not to break wages when the Government are busy cutting wages?