8. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister for the Civil Service by what percentage the index of earnings has risen during the period from 1st April, 1965, to 31st March, 1969; and what was the percentage increase during this period in the maximum earnings, exclusive of London weighting allowance, of senior and chief executive officers in the Civil Service.
§ Mrs. HartFrom March, 1965, to February, 1969, the figures are 25.6 per cent., and 16.8 and 17.3 per cent. respectively.
Mr. Gresham CookeDoes this not indicate that the middle ranges of the Civil Service are falling behind people outside in the general rise in wages and salaries? Is it not rather a pity if they are to fall behind, and shall we not have difficulty in attracting the right type of person to the middle ranges of the Civil Service?
§ Mrs. HartThe last detailed comparisons were made on 1st January, 1968, but the period before the next comparisons are made has been agreed between the Official and Staff Sides of the National Whitley Council.