§ 4. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of Exchequer whether he will state the Government's policy with regard to the recent Report on Civil Service salaries.
§ 20. Mr. Dainesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action the Government intend to take on the Report of the Commission on Civil Service salaries.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThis detailed and careful Report requires close study and the Government are not yet in a position to form views on it. The recommendations will need to be discussed on the National Whitley Council. There has already been a preliminary exchange of views between the two sides of that Council about the machinery for dealing with the questions raised.
§ Mr. LewisHas the Chancellor's attention been drawn to the statement of the General Secretary of the Institution of Professional Civil Servants to the effect that the Institution strongly objects to the fact that civil servants with lower incomes will get hardly anything out of the Report whilst those getting rather heavy incomes, or excessive incomes, will do very well out of it? Will he bear in mind the point of view of that organisation on this matter?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. I have observed that, but I think the important thing is to follow the ordinary procedure and wait for the National Whitley Council to review the Report.
§ Mr. DainesDoes not the Chancellor consider that this Report brings to the forefront the question of Ministerial salaries, and particularly the salaries of junior Ministers? How much longer are we to wait before the Government accept their responsibilities, at least towards the latter?
§ Mr. ButlerThat raises a wider question than that on the Order Paper. I should like to take the opportunity of expressing my gratitude to the members of the Royal Commission for the work which they have performed.