“Hostile Criticism Likely”

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30562, 3 October 1964, Page 1

“Hostile Criticism Likely”

<N Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 2. The substantial increase in the salaries of members of Parliament was “likely to evoke hostile criticism” from many persons, says the report of the Royal Commission on Parliamentary Salaries. “We have not overlooked some of the reasons commonly advanced in support of the view that members are already too highly paid,” the report said. The commission expresses the hope that the increase—from £1550 to £2lso—if accepted by Parliament, will be regarded for several years as an appropriate basic salary for a member of Parliament so that future changes will be related more directly to changes which have occurred during each three-year period in regard to wages, salaries and the cost of living. The report said there were many who resented certain legislation or, more generally, the ever-increasing encroachment of the State upon the rights and freedom

of the individual. “There is the comment that too often principle gives way to political expediency. These and other points of criticism are made often with sincerity and considerable truth in support of the conviction that no increase in the remuneration of members should be made.” The commission said it felt the ultimate sanction was first with those who selected candidates and then the public who elected them.

“We believe from the experience we have gained from two inquiries of this nature that the average member of Parliament is conscientious and diligent in the discharge of duties and obligations which require considerable knowledge, ability, judgment and sheer hard work. “We believe also that the great majority of the public will wish that a member of Parliament, as any other person who works for his living, should receive due reward for the service he gives.” The commission ' said two fundamental propositions should be accepted: A member of Parliament was wholly dependent .on his salary and allowances and had family commitments; The occupation of a member of Parliament should be regarded as virtually fulltime and professional in nature.

Lt pointed out that the business of government was so vast and affected so much of the ordinary life of the individual that the aim should always be to have Parliament and the executive comprised of men and women fully representative of the whole community and with the best qualifications to act as members and ministers. “The evidence we have heard supports overwhelmingly the likelihood that if the total remuneration payable to members was higher and thus more realistic, the source of possible candidates would be increased widely and a greater number of those with the proper qualifications would submit themselves as candidates for election.

“Certain results in the last election may indeed be some pointer in support of this for

there were quite a number of instances where the re-, suits in electorates differed so markedly from trends elsewhere as to suggest that many voters were influenced

more by their view of the quality of the candidate than by slavish adherence to a particular party.” The report said there were a great many persons in other occupations involving far less in responsibility, ability and demands upon their time who received an appreciably higher salary than at present was paid to members. “Recognition of this and a narrowing of the gap seems both reasonable and just.” In the introduction to the report, the commission said it wished to emphasise that it had not limited itself to merely adding to the existing remuneration some proportionate increase to keep in line with the increases in wages and salaries since 1961. Recent economic trends, though important, were only one of the many factors taken into account.