HC Deb 26 October 1954 vol 531 c1756
45. Mr. Rankin

asked the Prime Minister if he is now prepared to restore the cut, imposed three years ago, on the salaries of Ministers of Cabinet rank, as a temporary abatement.

47. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister how far the acceptance by Cabinet Ministers of reduced salaries applies to the new appointments.

The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)

On 31st October, 1951, the Government announced that the salaries of senior Ministers would be reduced "for the period of rearmament or for three years, whichever ended first." The abatements will, therefore, cease with effect from 1st November next.

Mr. Rankin

On behalf of the Ministers concerned, may I thank the Prime Minister?

Mr. Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that, when he commended the Judges Remuneration Bill to the House, the strongest case he produced for increasing the salary of the Lord Chancellor from £10,000 to £12,000 was that the Lord Chancellor was patriotically not going to take it? Are we to assume that this magnificent precedent will not be adopted in the case of the new Lord Chancellor?

The Prime Minister

I think that I should like notice of that question.