§ 50. Sir John Mellorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he proposes to reduce the pay of civil servants in tax offices outside London; what will be the extent of the deductions; and when will they take effect.
§ Mr. GaitskellA proposal has been made to apply to the taxes service the system of differentiation of pay as between London and other parts of the country which is in force in other branches of the Civil Service. It is still under discussion with staff representatives.
§ Sir J. MellorWill the Chancellor not agree that his proposals do, in fact, involve a reduction in pay for the persons mentioned in the Question, and why should their pay be reduced when the pay of everybody else and the cost of living are going up?
§ Mr. GaitskellI should prefer not to say anything more while this matter is under discussion, but there have, of course, been recent increases under arbitration awards.