HC Deb 02 August 1944 vol 402 cc1380-1
47. Mrs. Cazalet Keir

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to state the terms of reference and membership of the Royal Commission on Equal Pay.

Mr. Attlee

I much regret that I am not in a position to announce the personnel of the proposed Royal Commission on Equal Pay. The House may, however, wish to have the terms of reference, which are as follow: To examine the existing relationship between the remuneration of men and women in the public services, in industry and in other fields of employment; to consider the social, economic and financial implications of the claim of equal pay for equal work; and to report.

Mrs. Cazalet Keir

When will this House be able to have the names? Does my right hon. Friend not think that three months is long enough to wait?

Mr. Attlee

I will give them as soon as possible.

Viscountess Astor

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Government were nearly defeated—[Interruption]—in fact, were defeated, over this question?

Mr. W. J. Brown

If the Deputy Prime Minister is not yet in a position to find a chairman for this body, will he ask my union to find one? We could do it much more quickly.

Viscountess Astor

No.

Mr. George Griffiths

Let him take the Noble Lady for a chairman.