§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council whether he is now able to make a statement concerning the review body which he is to appoint to inquire into Members of Parliament's salaries, pensions and conditions of service; what is the reason for the time being taken for this committee to be established; and whether he will take action to enable Members of Parliament individually or collectively to refer their wages and conditions to the Industrial Court, or any other existing arbitration tribunal.
§ Mr. WhitelawAs regards the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Worcestershire, South (Sir G. Nabarro) by my right hon. Friend on 4th March, 1971.—[Vol. 812, c. 530.]
For the rest of the Question, I do not consider that such a reference would be appropriate, or in accordance with the wishes of Members generally.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council if he is aware that in October, 1964, a senior chief executive officer and an assistant secretary received a salary of £3,300 per annum which was increased in April, 1970 355W to £4,555 per annum and £4,390 per annum, respectively, and that these salary scales are at present under review; and whether he will refer these figures to the review body which he is to appoint to inquire into salaries of Members of Parliament.
§ Mr. WhitelawI explained to the hon. Member on 12th January that it will be for the Review Body to decide what factors are relevant to its inquiries.