§ 26. Mrs. Castleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolution on equal pay sent him by the Blackburn Teachers' Association; and whether he will now implement the promise made to the House on 16th May, 1952, as requested by the association.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have noted this resolution, but I have nothing to add to the reply given on 26th March to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes).
§ Mrs. CastleWill the hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Chancellor to the fact that he himself was responsible for giving the House a definite assurance, 11 months ago, that a start would be made at an early and definite date in the operation of this principle, and that if the opportunity of the forthcoming Budget is allowed to pass without that promise being implemented, the hon. Gentleman will stand under the slur of political dishonesty?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am perfectly satisfied that the assurance I gave this House—which has not been precisely quoted by the hon. Lady—which was to the effect that we desired to make a start with this matter just as soon as it was economically possible, stands, and I have nothing to add to it.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Motion he accepted had no such qualifying phrase about when the economic situation allowed, but was a specific guarantee that an early date would be announced for a start in the existing economic situation?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am glad to see that the hon. Lady shifts her ground and now accepts that my assurance, as made, has been complied with. So far as the resolution is concerned, I have noted its contents.