§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that notwithstanding the Government's freeze on wages and salaries, the salaries of Metropolitan magistrates were increased last year; that this increase has now been cited in support of a claim for a rise in salary from £4,000 to £4,400 for London coroners with retrospective effect to July 1967; and as this is contrary to the Govenment's policy of severe restraint why he has agreed to these increases.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe salaries of Metropolitan magistrates were increased before the introduction of the Government's standstill on prices and incomes. In the absence of any dispute between the parties, the fixing of coroners' salaries is entirely a matter for the council by which the coroner is appointed. My agreement is not therefore required to the increase referred to by my hon. Friend. I understand that it takes effect after the ending of the period of severe restraint.