HC Deb 05 March 1953 vol 512 cc559-60
46. Mr. Drayson

asked the Prime Minister if he will now restore to Ministers the cuts made in their salaries in 1951.

The Prime Minister

I thought of this in connection with the period of rearmament, which was outlined as three years. As I shall indicate in my speech later today, the pattern of the rearmament programme will be rather different from what we expected 16 months ago. Nevertheless I do not contemplate any change at present.

Mr. Drayson

In view of the great satisfaction expressed throughout the country at the way Her Majesty's Government are conducting affairs, and as the Conservative Party believes in payment by results, will the Prime Minister bear these matters in mind?

Mr. Dugdale

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what have been the net savings from this much-advertised economy, allowing for the reduced amount received by the Inland Revenue authorities in Income Tax and Surtax?

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Secretary of State for Scotland is on strike—a sit-down strike—and will he consider giving him a rise or an incentive bonus to encourage him to get up?

The Prime Minister

I am sure the House will readily acquit the hon. Gentleman of being at all an interested party in these matters.