HC Deb 09 November 1933 vol 281 cc318-9
61. Mr. R. DAVIES

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that some local authorities have recently restored cuts in salaries and wages to certain members of their staffs, and that the result of this action on their part is that teachers employed by those same authorities are still suffering a reduction of 10 per cent. in their salaries; and, if so, will he consider removing this anomaly by restoring to the teachers their original scales of salaries?

67. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the improved financial position of the country and the increase in the numbers of employed with consequent reduction in the cost to the State in unemployment benefit, he will consider the advisability of restoring the cuts in unemployment benefit which were made as a measure of economy in 1931?

68. Mr. D. GRENFELL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that large numbers of local authorities and other employers of labour have restored wages cuts to their employés; and whether it is the intention of the Government to restore wages cuts to teachers, police, non-commissioned officers arid other ranks in the Navy, Army, and Air Force?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I need hardly say that His Majesty's Government would be very glad if they could feel that they could safely answer these questions in the affirmative. No greater mistake, however, could be made than to assume prematurely that normal conditions of security and prosperity had been established and for the present I can only repeat that the relaxation of the conditions imposed by the necessities of the situation two years ago will be considered as and when the general circumstances of the country permit.

Mr. DAVIES

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the serious anomaly that is now arising when many local authorities have returned to their original position in respect of the scale of salaries of their staffs, leaving the teachers with a reduction in salaries. Will the right hon. Gentleman bear that very serious anomaly in mind?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no control over what the local authorities choose to do.

Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

Is it not a fact that the local authorities can if they think fit, at the expense of the ratepayers, put the salaries back?

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the hard-pressed taxpayers?

Mr. MAXTON

If the right hon. Gentleman finds it possible to restore cuts, will he act on the principle of dealing with the poorest first?