§ Viscount CURZONasked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether he is aware that temporary technical officers in the Air Ministry have recently received notices of reduction in pay, although previous rates of pay were fixed when the cost of living was raised and no bonus or increases were granted to compensate for such rates; whether, in view of this, he will reconsider making reductions in pay now;
(2) on what authority the rates of pay of temporary technical officers have been recently reduced; whether a corresponding increase was granted when the cost of living was rising; whether the official side, on his instructions, had refused to discuss such reductions on the Departmental Whitley Council; what was the reason of this refusal; and, if such matters are not brought before the Departmental Council, what good purpose does such council serve?
Captain GUESTThe pay of these officers was reviewed in accordance with a Treasury decision to review specially the pay of the higher temporary staff paid on inclusive rates. From the fact that these officials were paid on inclusive rates, it followed that their pay was not adjusted at periodical intervals to successive changes in the cost of living, but it cannot be admitted that the public is precluded from reviewing salaries specially as a measure of general financial overhaul. In the revision, full consideration was given to the cost of living factor and the review, which was on an individual basis, also took account of any changes in the degree of responsibility which had occurred. The Departmental Council is competent to deal with many1930W questions affecting the conditions of service of the staff, but under the terms of its constitution it is not competent to assess the value of individual members of the staff. I am satisfied that proper consideration was given to this question, and I can sec no reason to re-open it.