§ 17. Mr. Pymasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs when he expects to 1896 receive the Report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the claim for increased salaries put forward by the joint negotiating committees for clerks of local authorities and chief officers.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeMy right hon. Friend does not expect this Report before the middle of this year.
§ Mr. PymWill the Minister agree that this is an urgent matter? Does he not think that it is unfair and unreasonable to deny to chief officers and their deputies any increase in salary when their juniors in local government have been enjoying an increased award since 1st February?
§ Mr. LeeYes, but this reference refers to a very wide range indeed of professional people. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman and the people concerned would rather have a detailed report well worthy of the reference than a hurried one.