§ 17. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the present re-imbursements made to persons who serve as members of tribunals under the jurisdiction of his Department; to what extent these conditions and rates have been increased or otherwise altered during the last five years; and in what manner.
Commander GalbraithThe maximum rate of compensation for loss of remunerative time payable in the case of bodies closely associated with local authorities, as, for example, committees appointed under the National Health Service (Scotland) Act, 1947, is 20s. a day. In the case of other bodies the maximum rate is 25s. a day. The first rate has not been changed in the last five years; the second was increased from 21s. in September, 1948.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that the present rate is not at all comparable to the rise in the cost of living? Does he not think it would be fair to raise the remuneration to a sum which would be comparable to the cost of living, having regard to the fact that the people serving on these tribunals not only give their services but also have to incur certain expenditure?
Commander GalbraithI think that that is another question that should be put to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and not to me.
§ Mr. WheatleyCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how these rates compare with the rates for similar tribunals in England and Wales?