§ 45. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Prime Minister how long a period has elapsed since the salaries of His Majesty's judges were reviewed; and if he is now considering further reviewing them.
§ Mr. AttleeThe salaries now paid to His Majesty's judges of the High Court have for the most part remained unaltered for a century. I understand that my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has been in communication with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this subject, but I am not able at present to make any announcement.
§ Mr. BrownWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I invite him to remember the injunction that
time makes ancient good uncouth"?
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that the judges have had a substantial increase of salary?
§ Mr. GallacherOh, yes.
§ Mr. PrittIs is not a fact that the county court judges, who fulfil a very important function, have had a 33⅓ per cent. rise during the lifetime of this Parliament?
§ Mr. AttleeMy reply applies to High Court judges.
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will take into consideration the fact that His Majesty's Ministers have had their salaries raised; and, in view of the fact that the judges are about all that stands between the people and bureaucracy, should not they have their salaries raised too?
§ Mr. AttleeMy hon. and gallant Friend is not quite correct. Some Ministers had their salaries raised but the Ministers of Cabinet rank did not.