HC Deb 19 June 1968 vol 766 c1087
33. Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Minister of Transport if he will undertake an urgent review of the salary of the Chairman of British Railways.

Mr. Marsh

This will be done when appropriate.

Mr. Walker

Surely it is completely inappropriate that the Vice-Chairman of British Railways should be paid more than the Chairman, when the duties of the Chairman are greater than those of the Vice-Chairman? Is this not making an absolute nonsense of the management structure of British Railways? Will the Minister take further action in this matter?

Hon. Members: Hear, hear.

Mr. Marsh

It ill-becomes hon. Gentlemen to say "Hear, hear", because the problem we face is one of the failure of Governments to solve this problem over a very long period of time. Clearly the salaries will have to be reviewed in due course. At present there are problems in terms of prices and incomes policy, which I am sure the hon. Gentleman will understand.

Mr. Barnett

Would the Minister conduct a survey in private industry to see how often this sort of thing happens there?

Mr. Marsh

At the moment my time is adequately filled with the nationalised industries.

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