§ 37. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis the remuneration of polling station personnel is fixed; what machinery exists for its revision; and when it was last reconsidered.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Sir Edward Boyle)The maximum fees payable by returning officers to people employed at polling stations are prescribed by the Treasury under Section 20 of the Representation of the People Act, 1949. They are fixed on the basis of fair and reasonable rates in the light of the nature of the work and the time spent on it. They axe revised from time to time in consultation with the Home Office and representatives of town clerks, clerks of the peace, and clerks of county councils. The last revision took effect from April, 1958.
§ Mr. RobinsonDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that these people do a very long and hard day's work for extremely modest remuneration? In view of the very small amounts involved to the Treasury, will he ask his right hon. Friend to see that this matter is reviewed again at an early date?
§ Sir E. BoyleNeither the Home Office nor the Treasury have received any complaints about the adequacy of the present fees, but I am sure my right hon. Friend will bear in mind the point that the hon. Gentleman has made.
§ Mr. RidsdaleIs my hon. Friend aware that many people employed in the polling stations are pensioners who are employed only during the time of polling? Could he arrange that they receive their pensions free of any deductions?
§ Sir E. BoyleI think there are difficulties about that, but I wholly understand the views of hon. Members about the importance of this work and I will take note of the points which have been made today.