asked the Lord Privy Seal why barmen employed in the Refreshment Department receive an average of 30s. a week more than barmaids; and what are the differences in their duties.

The bar staff of the Refreshment Department are paid according to the Wages Council Act.

As I am sure that my right hon. Friend will be the first to recognise that equal pay on a gradual basis is now Government policy, will he start by seeing that things are put right in this House?

My hon. Friend is on a very important point there. I sympathise with her. I will convey what she says to the Chairman of the Department concerned.

Would not the Lord Privy Seal think it wise to consider the wages of all the refreshment staff before the Summer Recess?

This is certainly a matter in which we are anxious to help those who serve us so well.

As the bars concerned are in a Royal Palace, are the payments of the staff subject to the rules of the Prices and Incomes Board?

I should have thought so, as in any other nationalised institution.