HC Deb 09 March 1954 vol 524 cc1920-1
28. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total annual time lost through sick leave in the Government services during the last available year, expressing this as days per year in respect of men and women, respectively.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Shepherd

In view of the effect that this may have on the actual claim for equal pay, could my right hon. Friend see that the figures are obtained in the future?

Mr. Butler

If, in fact, I get any nearer than I have been able to do in the time available, I certainly will do so and will inform the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Pannell

Is it not a fact that there is plenty of evidence about this matter in the Royal Commission's Report on Equal Pay? Of course, nobody on this side of the House thinks that the hon. Member for Cheadle (Mr. Shepherd) reads anything like that.