HC Deb 08 June 1981 vol 6 c16
27 Mr. Moate

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects the Top Salaries Review Body to advise on the rate of pension contribution for the secretaries of hon. Members.

Mr. Pym

In its report No. 17 the review body said that although it had not been possible to consider the point in sufficient detail to make proposals at the present time, it would be its intention to look into this question specifically and to report its findings in the event of its being required to carry out a further review of parliamentary pay and allowances next year.

Mr. Moate

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, as only one-third of the money voted by the House for Members' secretaries' pensions has been spent, it is not clear that hon. Members are being rather more generous to themselves than to their secretaries? Will he at least try to correct the matter by asking the Top Salaries Review Body to look at the 10 per cent. limit that the Government have imposed in the current year so that another year's contributions are not lost for secretaries?

Mr. Pym

It would not be practicable to do that this year but, as my hon. Friend knows, I requested the review body to consider the matter because the limit—if that is the correct word—was proposed by my predecessor after careful consideration and consultation, and it seemed to be right to adhere to it. However, in view of my hon. Friend's representations, I felt that an outside independent view on the matter would be helpful. I still hope that in due course that can be done.