§ 45. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will make a statement on the outcome of her investigations into the increase in remuneration of the Chairman of Hambro's Bank from £20,866 to £25,145 a year in the last 12 months, in addition to share dividends.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerMr. Hambro has given my Department information about the recent increase in his remuneration. In view of my right hon. Friend's recent decision to refer the whole question of top salaries to the National Board for 33 Prices and Incomes, it is not proposed to pursue his individual case any further.
§ Mr. AllaunYes, but if no real action is taken on the general case, does it not mean that Mr. Hambro's little increase has been quietly buried, and how will the bus men react to that?
§ Mr. WalkerNo, Sir; Mr. Hambro's increase has not been quietly buried but will be taken into account by the Board in reaching its conclusions. I advise my hon. Friend to await the outcome of the Board's Report.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyCan the hon. Gentleman say whether this question would ever have been raised if Mr. Hambro's company had given a subscription to the Labour Party instead of the Tories?
§ Mr. WalkerI can assure the hon. Gentleman and the House that when a Question was originally asked referring to Mr. Hambro we were unaware of the contribution made to Conservative Party funds, and it would not have made the slightest difference to whom the contribution had been made.
§ Mr. SandysTell that to the Marines.