§ 7. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Labour what instructions have been given to the British representative to protest against the present arrangements under which at least 30 per cent. of the International Labour Office staff have tax free incomes to the order of £2,400 a year.
§ Mr. RobensThe salary scales and the grading of the staff of the International Labour Organisation, in common with other specialised agencies associated with the United Nations, follow principles laid down by the United Nations. The present United Nations' scales have recently been reviewed and approved by the General Assembly on the recommendations of a committee of experts appointed for that purpose. Subject to minor adaptations, these scales have been adopted by the I. L. O., and no special instructions to the British representative to that organisation were called for.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportHow many of the I.L.O. staff are British subjects? Do they or do they not pay full British Income Tax on their salaries; and, if not, what proportion is allowed as expenses?
§ Mr. RobensI am unable to say the exact number of British subjects on the staff of the I. L. O., but they will receive salaries and terms and conditions of service in exactly the same way as other members of the staff.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportDo they or do they not pay Income Tax?
§ Mr. RobensI thought it was made clear that, the Government having accepted the United Nations' scales, we could hardly refuse to accept the proposition that the salaries and gradings of the staff of the I. L. O. should be in general conformity with those of the United Nations' organisation.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCould we have an answer to the question: do they pay British Income Tax or do they not?
§ Mr. RobensAs far as I know. their salaries are tax free.