HC Deb 25 April 1932 vol 265 cc30-1
60. Sir W. SUGDEN

asked the Minister of Health what salary and what conditions he approves for sanitary inspectors appointed in December, 1930, and also at the present time, for the borough of Leyton; and what are his proposals to meet the recommendations of the Council of Leyton upon the matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Ernest Brown)

The approved basic scale of salaries for sanitary inspectors in the borough of Leyton is £180 per annum, rising by annual increments of £15 to a maximum of £270 per annum. In addition, cost-of-living bonus is payable at the rates from time to time ' payable to officers of the Civil Service. With regard to the last part of the question my right hon. Friend has informed the Town Council that if the salaries of the Sanitary Inspectors are consolidated, i he could not approve of the consolidation being effected at a figure higher than the current cost-of-living index figure.

Sir W. SUGDEN

Is it the policy of the Minister, because of some Departmental breach of etiquette, to inflict upon a sanitary inspector some sort of hardship which is not inflicted upon any other section of municipal employés?

Mr. BROWN

I do not agree that any hardship is inflicted. As the hon. Gentleman knows, before action of this; kind is taken, the law lays it down that the Ministry must be consulted.

Sir W. SUGDEN

If the apology presented by the town clerk is not sufficient, what more does the hon. Gentleman require as a solatium for the amour propre of the Department?

Mr. BROWN

It has nothing to do with apology. It is a matter of judgment on the facts.

Sir W. SUGDEN

Then do I understand that the ratepayers of Leyton—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman must give notice of any further questions.