HC Deb 22 July 1941 vol 373 cc793-4
57. Major Vyvyan Adams

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the inflationary tendencies now becoming evident, and, in particular, of the high level of wages in contrast with the low rates of pay for other ranks in the Navy and Army; and whether he proposes any measures to arrest those tendencies and to modify these disparities of pay?

Sir K. Wood

The policy of the Government with regard to inflation was stated in my Budget speech and has been further explained in the White Paper to which my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal has referred in his answer to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Renfrew (Major Lloyd).

Major Adams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that is no answer to the second part of this Question, and does he think it socially satisfactory that adolescents in factories should receive several times as much as adult men in the Services, who are voiceless, even taking into consideration the allowances which men in the Services enjoy?

Sir K. Wood

Will my hon. Friend look at the White Paper issued to-day?

Viscountess Astor

Will my right hon. Friend allow me to show him letters I have received from men in the Services telling me how they feel about these disparities?