Northumbrian Water Authority

HC Deb 10 November 1980 vol 992 cc95-6W

Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent increase has been made in the salary of the chairman of the Northumbrian water authority; and whether the increase falls within the limits recommended by the Government for public sector pay increases.

Mr. Fox

The salary paid to the chairman of the Northumbrian water authority was increased in September from £11,675 to £12,784. This increase, which was backdated to 1 April 1980, was considerably less than that recommended in July by the Review Body on Top Salaries in its fourteenth report. It was in accordance with the Government's decision that levels of pay increase in the public sector must be reduced if public expenditure is to be kept under control and the Government's monetary objectives achieved.