§ Mr. Kenneth Lomasasked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he is aware that the starting salary of wardens and senior wardens at the new Jewel House in the Tower of London is £13 4s. 6. and £14 6s. 6d., respectively; that this imposes hardship on persons between the ages of 40 and 55; and if he will increase it.
§ Mr. PrenticeYes; but in addition responsibility allowances of £1 1s. per week are paid, as well as enhanced rates46W for Sunday duty. A new salary scale has recently been agreed which will give increases of 18s. 6d. and 18s. on the starting pay of wardens and senior wardens respectively. A substantial part of the increase will be paid on 1st July, 1967 and the remainder on 1st January, 1968, but retrospective to 1st July, 1967. The starting pay is not related to age, but preference is given to former members of the Forces or the Police in the 40–55 age group.