HC Deb 03 May 1951 vol 487 cc1423-4
58. Miss Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now make a statement after seeing the recent deputation on the application of women civil servants for equal pay.

Mr. Jay

I have nothing to add to the answer my right hon. Friend gave the hon. Member on 23rd January, 1951.

Miss Ward

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been directed to the fact that in the North-West Region, women working on the coal belts have now been awarded equal pay with men for their holiday week, and that in the Civil Service in Nigeria women get equal pay with men? Is it not about time that the Minister now announced to the Civil Service the result of his deliberations after the deputation which he received as long ago as January? When will he give a reply?

Mr. Jay

I was not previously aware of either of those facts, but I am very grateful to the hon. Lady for the information.

61. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an estimate of the total expenditure involved by raising the pay and salaries of all women teachers and women civil servants to the level of men doing comparable work.

Mr. Jay

About £21 million a year.

Mr. Sorensen

Can my hon. Friend say what, approximately, this would be in, say, 10 years' time?

Mr. Jay

No, Sir, not without notice.

Mr. G. Thomas

Could my hon. Friend break down those figures and say what would be the cost for teachers alone?

Mr. Jay

The cost for teachers alone would be about £11,500,000.