§ 51. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of setting up an inquiry into the question of salaries paid to all wartime administrators, with a view to bringing them more into accord with public opinion and to levelling up the numerous anomalies as between paid and unpaid service?
§ Captain CrookshankI have been asked to reply. The remuneration of persons appointed in a temporary capacity to wartime posts in Government Departments is carefully co-ordinated by the Treasury, and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is satisfied that the rates approved are fair and reasonable. In these circumstances he does not think that any useful purpose would be served by an inquiry of the kind suggested.
§ Mr. Garro JonesDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not see that unpaid service never comes before the Treasury for sanction, and therefore there can be no co-ordination between unpaid service and paid service, and as that is one of the matters which is giving rise to the greatest amount of public discontent, will he make some inquiry into that aspect of the matter?
§ Captain CrookshankThe hon. Member is going beyond the question which is on the Paper. Of course there is coordination, whether the service is paid or unpaid. Appointments are not made without the cognisance of the Treasury.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs it not then correct to say that in the case of unpaid appointments the sanction of the Treasury is necessary?
§ Captain CrookshankYes, Sir.
§ 66. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that many people, men and women of ability but no means, are offering their services to the State but find that people of means are occupying a considerable number of the paid posts; and will he instruct all Departments to fill all posts, other things being equal, with people who need to earn a living?
§ Captain CrookshankThe selection of persons for employment in the Government service is on the bases of suitability and qualifications and I could not agree that the most suitable and best qualified candidate should be refused appointment on the grounds suggested in the question.
§ Miss WilkinsonIn that case, would the Minister explain why so many of the more suitable applicants are refused, on the ground that they have no titles or have not dined with the correct people?