§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he can give an assurance that, where an independent committee of inquiry reports on wages and salaries of any public servant, such recommendations will not be vetoed by the Government; and whether this assurance can be given regarding the pay of Service men, civil servants, Members 834W of Parliament and others in the public sector.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThe position must be considered at the time according to the circumstances of the inquiry. For references to the Standing Commission on Comparability, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 7 March [Vol. 963, c. 1251–3]. For the three standing review bodies covering the Armed Forces, doctors and dentists, top salaries and Members of Parliament, the Government have said that they will accept their recommendations unless there are clear and compelling reasons for not so doing.