HC Deb 16 November 1950 vol 480 cc1881-2
22. Mr. Amory

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to stop the growing tendency for Government grants, wages awards and other settlements to be made retrospective for long periods, as such action makes accurate estimating and rate-raising by local authorities impossible.

Mr. Bevan

If the hon. Member will let me know the particular instances he has in mind, I will have them looked into.

Mr. Amory

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that, apart from the convenience to local authorities, there is an old saying, "Bis dat qui cito dat," which, I am told by technical advisers, is relevant to this problem?

Mr. Bevan

Perhaps the hon. Member will take me aside afterwards and translate that. It is always undesirable for wage negotiations to last so long that retrospective demands accumulate.