§ 50. Miss Burtonasked 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. GaitskellThe 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 BurtonWhile 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. GaitskellI 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.