HC Deb 05 December 1950 vol 482 c198
50. Miss Burton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an estimate of the cost of granting equal increments for men and women employed in local government service.

Mr. Gaitskell

The cost for the public services other than the Civil Service would be £1.25 million in the first year, rising eventually to some £7.5 million. I have no reliable estimate as to how much of this is for local government staff.

Miss Burton

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask him whether, as presumably it is not economically advisable to grant equal pay at the moment, he will consider giving this increment as a token recognition of the Government's belief in the principle of equal pay?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am meeting a deputation on this subject shortly and I should not like to say much at this stage, but I am bound to say that I see great difficulties in the suggestion which the hon. Lady has made.