HL Deb 18 July 1951 vol 172 cc988-9

2.45 p.m.

VISCOUNT SIMON

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether a statement can now be made as to the prospects of an improvement in the salaries of county court judges.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT JOWITT)

My Lords, as the House will be aware, the existing salary of county court judges was fixed in the year 1937 at £2,000 a year, and at this figure it still remains. It is true that these judges receive additional remuneration for their work as divorce commissioners, and on the average this amounts to some £300 a year. This sum, however, does not count for pension purposes, and accordingly the pension is based on the sum of £2,000 a year, and not on the sum of £2,300. It has now been decided that the salary styli be raised from £2,000 to £2,800, the new figure to be inclusive of remuneration for sitting as special divorce commissioner. The pension rights will, of course, be based on the full sum of £2,800. The salaries of the Metropolitan magistrates will simultaneously be raised from £2,000 to £2,500, the chief magistrate, as now, receiving £300 in excess of the salary of the other magistrates.

VISCOUNT SIMON

My Lords, while thanking my noble and learned friend for the answer for which we have been waiting, and without commenting at all on the adequacy of the proposed provision to meet the need, may I ask him whether the Government are hoping, and will make every effort, to carry through this implementing legislation this Session, because there has been a long period of consideration; or, if that proves impossible, will the Government provide in their Bill that the relief will be given retrospectively?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, I will take the most prompt steps open to me to get the legislation drafted, hut, knowing the state of Business, I frankly do not think it will be possible to get this legislation through this Session. The alternative limb of the noble Viscount's question gives me a fruitful line of approach, and I shall certainly see—I am making no promise—whether I can get the increase made retrospective to some such day as the present.

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, can the noble and learned Viscount give an assurance that the sheriff-substitutes in Scotland will be granted an increase in salary at least in proportion to what has been proposed in the case of county court judges, bearing in mind particularly the amount of legislation which we have recently passed increasing the work of these officials in a very complicated manner?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, as I understand it, discussions are now proceeding as to the appropriate adjustments to be made in the salaries of the full-time sheriffs and sheriff-substitutes in Scotland. No legislation is required for this purpose.

LORD CLYDESMUIR

My Lords, may I ask whether an announcement is likely to be made before the House rises for the Recess?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

I hope that will be so.