HC Deb 24 April 1967 vol 745 c1149
40. Mr. Dickens

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement indicating whether the decision by the Services Committee that the fees charged by Messrs. Ashworths to Members should no longer be subject to a discount of 20 per cent. is in line with the Government's prices and incomes policy.

Mr. Crossman

Before the Services Committee came to this decision the increases in costs sustained by Messrs. Ashworths were very carefully considered. I am satisfied that the abolition of this discount was consistent with the Government's prices and incomes policy.

Mr. Dickens

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this means an effective increase of 25 per cent. on the charges levied on hon. Members by Messrs. Ashworths? Can hon. Members see what the evidence of Ashworths was to the Services Committee? Does my right hon. Friend not agree that this sets a deplorable example to the rest of the country at a time when we are calling for price restraint?

Mr. Crossman

This was a difficult case. I am certainly prepared to show my hon. Friend the detailed reasons why we gave this increase to Ashworths.