HC Deb 16 November 1933 vol 281 c1110
79. Major HILLS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what would be the cost of giving equal pay to the women now employed in those grades of the Civil Service which men and women enter by common examination?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the approximate estimate of £3,000,000 a year quoted in paragraph 455 of the report of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service, 1929–1931, as the cost of the grant of "equal pay" in the Civil Service when in full operation. Figures are not available showing what proportion of this total estimate is applicable to those grades which men and women enter by common examination. Nor would it appear to be possible to confine such an arrangement to these grades.