HC Deb 25 October 1966 vol 734 cc818-9
31. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he has withdrawn entitlement to first-class travel for chief preventive officers in the Customs' Water-guard Service.

Mr. Diamond

As explained in my hon. and learned Friend's letter of 22nd September to the hon. Member, this was a consequential effect of a pay agreement reached earlier this year, and the arrangements conform with the standing conventions in the Civil Service as a whole.

Mr. Ridsdale

But surely there was no need to take away the privilege of first-class travel from those who had it?

Mr. Diamond

I can only repeat—and the hon. Gentleman will recollect this from his own experience—in the Civil Service these matters are consequential upon salary levels.

Mr. Ridsdale

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.