47. Mrs. Whiteasked the Prime Minister if he will refer to the Standing Advisory Committee, under the Chairmanship of Lord Coleraine, on the Remuneration of the Higher Civil Service the question of remuneration and a pensions scheme for Members of Parliament.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
Mrs. WhiteWill the Prime Minister consider the matter again? Is he not aware that several of his more senior colleagues have recently announced that they do not propose to stand for Parliament at the next General Election? Does he realise that there are probably a number of senior hon. Members on this side of the House who would be glad to make a similar statement but are not in a financial position to do so?
§ Mr. ShinwellFor whom is my hon. Friend speaking?
Mrs. WhiteAs we have reached deadlock on the matter, does not the Prime Minister think that the Committee might well be asked to look at the matter again?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I think the matter to which the hon. Lady has referred is an important one, but I do not think the Standing Advisory Committee is an appropriate body to consider the question of the remuneration of Ministers or Members of Parliament.