HC Deb 10 March 1949 vol 462 cc1394-5
52. Mr. I. J. Pitman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that it is considered necessary to postpone further increases of salary to higher civil servants, admitted by the Chorley Committee to be long overdue, he will state the net cost of giving effect to the recommendations of the Committee, after allowing for Income Tax and Surtax.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The Chorley Committee estimate the gross cost of their recommendations at £400,000. The comparable net cost, after allowing for likely Income Tax and Surtax charges, is about £180,000.

Mr. Pitman

In view of the very small sum and the enormous services rendered by this loyal class of servants of this House and country, will he reconsider making retrospective any award and accelerating the decision in regard to it?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

That is another question.

Mrs. Castle

Is my right hon. Friend aware that thousands of workers would resent the implementation of this report being given priority over more urgent wage claims, including the urgent one of equal pay for equal work?