§ 25. Sir Assheton Pownallasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, under the regulations affecting the salaries of civil servants, those who would prior to the War have drawn £400 per annum now receive £515; and whether he will take steps to have the question of Members' salaries reconsidered with a view to their being given somewhat similar increases?
§ The Prime MinisterAs compared with pre-war rates there has been an increase, in money terms, of the remuneration of the several Services of the Crown. But I can see no close analogy between Government employment 181 and membership of the House of Commons. As regards the second part of the question, I note the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend, but I should not care to commit myself to any statement upon it until I have made further inquiries.
§ Sir A. PownallDoes the Prime Minister realise the difficulties in view of an increase of, roughly speaking, 50 per cent. in the cost of living since this sum of £400 was fixed, especially in the case of Members who live at a distance from London and therefore have to keep a home in the country, or in Scotland or Wales, and have to be in London four days in each week?
§ The Prime MinisterI shall want notice of that question.
§ Mr. BellengerCan the right hon. Gentleman say what form the inquiry will take, and whether he proposes to endeavour to arrive at some definite decision at an early date?
§ The Prime MinisterIt will be exactly the form of inquiry which will lead most directly to the end I have in view.
§ Mr. GallacherWhen the right hon. Gentleman is considering the difficulties of Members of Parliament, will he also consider the difficulties of people living on the means test?
§ Mr. BellengerWill the right hon. Gentleman disclose what end he has in view?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member will have an opportunity of putting a question later.