HC Deb 26 September 1944 vol 403 cc27-8
53. Mrs. Cazalet Keir

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the names of the members of the Royal Commission on Equal Pay.

60. Mrs. Tate

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement explaining the reasons for the delay there has been in appointing the Royal Commission on the question of equal pay.

62. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state the names of the members of the Royal Commission on Equal Pay.

The Prime Minister

I am glad to be able to announce that Mr. Justice Asquith will act as Chairman of the Royal Commission, and I hope to be able to give the names of members of the Commission in a short time. I might explain that the work of the Commission on Higher Education in the Colonies is nearing its close, and Mr. Justice Asquith's appointment as Chairman of the Royal Commission will not interfere with its completion, or delay in any way the work of the Royal Commission.

Mrs. Keir

In view of the amazing difficulties the Government are having in setting up this Royal Commission, will the right hon. Gentleman consider accepting the recommendations of the Atkin Committee of 1919, and thus avoid further delay and trouble in this matter?

The Prime Minister

I was not aware that the difficulties were amazing. In time of war, when so many people are occupied with other tasks, it is more difficult to pick exactly the right person for a task of this peculiar and special social responsibility, but the difficulties, amazing or otherwise, have been successfully overcome, or practically overcome, and I do not propose to adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

Mr. W. J. Brown

May I ask whether, in view of the very great, if not staggering delay, the Prime Minister will indicate to the Commission that we want a Report from them on this subject in a reasonable time?

The Prime Minister

I shall certainly follow precedent in any address I might have to make to the Commission.

Mrs. Tate

Question 60 is not in the least similar to Question 53, and no satisfactory reply has been made to it.

Viscountess Astor

May I ask the Prime Minister why he thinks it very peculiar that people should get equal pay for equal work?

The Prime Minister

I think I fully answered the Question; in fact, I answered it very fully, especially in reply to a supplementary question.

Viscountess Astor

Fully, but not satisfactorily.