HC Deb 07 April 1971 vol 815 cc447-8
36 and 37. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister for the Civil Service (1) what action he proposes to take to change the situation whereby 6,000 civil servants receive salaries above those received by junior Ministers, who are Ministerially superior to these civil servants, some with salaries of up to £9,000 per annum as against the junior Minister's £3,750;

(2) what action he proposes to take to change the situation whereby 220 civil servants, holding positions junior to the Minister in control of their Departments, receive salaries in excess of their Minister, some with salaries which, in July, 1971, will be £14,000 per annum against the Minister's £8,500 per annum.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Civil Service Department (Mr. David Howell)

As my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council announced on 4th December, 1970, the whole question of the emoluments, allowances, expenses and pensions of Ministers and Members of the House of Commons will be investigated by the new Review Body on higher level salaries in the public sector. The same body is to review the pay of senior civil servants.—[Vol. 807, c. 1723–4.]

Mr. Lewis

Is the hon. Gentleman (aware that 1that has been the usual evasive reply that we have received over the past two years? In view of the facts contained in both these Questions—and I speak as a trade unionist with three trade union cards—may I ask the hon. Member whether he can see any good trade unionist accepting the principle whereby the officer in charge of a Department should be receiving a third of the salary received by those over whom he has control? Surely this is something that has been known for years and there is no need for a review body? When can we have an announcement about this review body which was mentioned two years ago by his predecessor? Will he get cracking and get something done?

Mr. Howell

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's zest in pursuing these matters, but they are for the Review Body. He asks whether an announcement will be made. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will be making an announcement tomorrow.

Sir G. Nabarro

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that procrastination and pious protestation every time Questions are answered is most frustrating? Does he understand that we have Ministers at £8,500 a year appointing heads of nationalised industries at £25,000 a year and civil servants at £14,000 a year and parliamentary draftsmen at four times the salary I receive? Where on earth is a parliamentary draftsmen to be found who is worth four times what I get?

Mr. Howell

These are all value judgments on which different people have different views. The Review Body will be set up and will take due account of the need for speed. As I said, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will make an announcement tomorrow.

Mr. Lewis

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply and the fact that we have been told that something will happen but it never does, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.