HC Deb 27 May 1952 vol 501 cc130-1W
55. Mr. Storey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now able to make a statement as to the results of the promised conference to consider what could be done to help public service pensioners.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Financial Secretary's reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Merton and Morden (Captain Ryder) on 15th May. The review, which is of necessity complicated, is proceeding.

60. Mrs. Castle

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he hopes to announce the date on which a beginning will be made with the introduction of equal pay in the public services.

68. Mr. Beswick

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he now expects to begin discussions with the staff side of the Whitley Council about the new policy of equal pay for equal work in the public services.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement made by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in the course of the debate on 16th May on the Motion by the hon. Member for Leeds. West (Mr. Pannell).

61. Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how far his appeal for wage restraint applies to public servants of £1,000 a year or less who have not received an increase in salary since March, 1946.

Mr. R. A. Butler

My appeal for wage restraint applies to all members of the community, whether employed in the public service or in outside industry though, as I said, there may be a case for some very moderate adjustments in certain instances.

Any such cases, however, would require to be examined individually on their merits and I cannot give the hon. Member any formula of general application.