HC Deb 10 July 1969 vol 786 cc291-2W
Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what representations the Confederation of British Industry made to Her Majesty's Government regarding modification of the terms of its reference of directors' salaries to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. Harold Walker

As consultations on references are carried out on a confidential basis, I cannot disclose the detailed representations made by the C.B.I. about the Top Salaries Reference. In general, as the C.B.I. said publicly at the time, the Confederation did not regard the issues as appropriate for reference to the N.B.P.I.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity why, in view of the fact that many company directors and chairmen of companies have during the period of restraint under the Government's incomes policy increased their salaries by amounts varying from 10 per cent. to 300 per cent. in some instances in consecutive years, she has taken action in only a few instances.

Mr. Harold Walker

In its report on top salaries, the National Board for Prices and Incomes said that the salaries of individuals could be judged properly only in relation to the salary structures in which they are placed. In general, I believe that this is the right approach. My right hon. Friend is considering the reference to the Board of the salary structures of individual firms and will be consulting the C.B.I. and T.U.C. in due course.