§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) whether his policy of seeking to de-escalate wage awards of high pay increases to those in the private and public sectors applies to those on salary scales of£9,700 per annum being increased to£13,500 per annum, and those on£10,700 per annum being increased to£11,500 per annum, details of which have been conveyed to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North; if he will condemn such high pay increases; and if he will make a statement;
335W(2) whether he has now received the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, showing that some public servants are to receive salary increases of£73 per week; and what reply he has sent concerning the action he intends to take.
§ Mr. BryanMy right hon. Friend has not received his communication but I understand that the hon. Member is referring to the salary increases for board members of the London Transport Executive. These increases were authorised by the Greater London Council and are in line with the 1969 recommendations of the National Board for Prices and Incomes. The salary increases quoted in the Questions apply to two members of the executive, one of whom is assuming the appointment of Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Buses and the other is assuming the responsibility of Managing Director Railways. These salary increases do not therefore refer to individuals who are remaining in their present appointments but to individuals who are being promoted to additional responsibilities.