HC Deb 27 November 1952 vol 508 cc598-9
23. Mr. Marlowe

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now introduce legislation to increase the salaries of Her Majesty's High Court judges since such increase is long overdue.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The Government have been giving thought to the financial position of Her Majesty's High Court judges. But I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

Mr. Marlowe

Can my hon. Friend think of any other appointment which has not had a salary increase for 121 years? Is he aware that in this matter he is bound to have the support of Her Majesty's Opposition, in view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Glenvil Hall), when he was Financial Secretary, promised to introduce this legislation in 1949 and failed to do so? Is it not time that this Government kept pledges which the last Government failed to keep?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That would be a very full-time occupation.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a further hardship for Her Majesty's judges? If they do not get the increase, they will not be able to buy any morning eggs.