§ Mr. Lomasasked the Lord President of the Council what was the salary of an hon. Member in January 1965; what it is currently; what it would now have to be in order to have the same purchasing power as in 1965; and what increase in percentage terms would be required to raise it to that level.
§ Mr. Foot:The basic parliamentary salary at January 1965 stood at £3,250. Increasing this figure in line with the movement in the index of retail prices since that date produces the figure of £11,622. To raise the current salary of £6,897 to this level would require a 68.5 per cent. increase.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Lord President of the Council what increase in the salary of an hon. Member he expects to propose in June of the current year.
§ Mr. Foot:I am afraid that I cannot forecast what proposals the Government may wish to make to the House later this year, until they have received and considered the recommendations from the Review Body.