§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total cost to public funds of the Clegg Commission; and whether he has any proposals for its abolition.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe direct cost of the Standing Commission on Pay Comparability up to 31 October, including salaries and expenses of members, totalled £16,303. The costs of servicing the Commission fall on the Office of Manpower Economics, which provides similar services to other bodies. It is difficult to attribute these costs accurately between the Commission and other bodies, particularly as the work load for each body is24W not constant throughout the year. The indirect costs clearly attributable to the Commission are estimated at £300,000 to date. I have no proposals for abolition of the Commission, whose work the Government continues to keep under review.