§ 57. Mr. I. J. Pitmanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion the increase of pay of £180,000 per annum to higher civil servants recommended by the Chorley Committee bears to the general increase per annum in wages which has in fact been paid since the Chorley Committee reported; what is such increase in wages; and whether, in view of the small amount now recommended both proportionately and absolutely, he will accelerate the award and make it retrospective to the date of the report of the Chorley Committee.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallBetween September, 1948, the date of the Chorley Report, and February, 1949, the last date for which figures are available, 3,517,000 workers received increases in full-time wages estimated to amount to about £772,000 per week. It is not possible to make a reliable estimate of the proportionate figure requested by the hon. Member. The details of the method of the gradual introduction of the new scales—which has been accepted in principle by the representatives of the staff concerned—are at present being discussed with them and meanwhile I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member for Chesterfield (Mr. Benson) on 17th February.
§ Mr. PitmanIf the increase for these important and loyal servants of the House is refused during a period of inflation, will there not be a greater danger that they will not receive it during a period of disinflation and that, therefore, they will not get it at all? Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that these people will get the increase recommended by the Chorley Committee, which was set up by the Government; and, if so, when?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallI think my right hon. and learned Friend has made it quite clear that as and when it is possible to give these increases they will be given. I am sure that every hon. Member, on this side at any rate, realises that when my right hon. and learned Friend makes a promise he means to implement it.