MAJOR WON'T SAY IF HE'S TAKING PAY RISE

John Major was at the centre of a "fat cat" row last night as he refused to say whether he will be taking his pounds 58,000 pay rise.

A Downing Street claim that the Prime Minister's salary is private was met with derision.

Labour leader Tony Blair has already said he will take only a three per cent rise.

Labour MP Tony Banks said: "To claim it is a private matter is nonsense. Every MP is being asked what they are going to do. Why should John Major think he is an exception because he is Prime Minister?

"His government imposed a three per cent limit on doctors, nurses and hospital workers - I don't see how he could have the cheek to accept a huge rise like this."

Mr Banks, who voted against raising MPs salaries by 26 per cent, from pounds 34,000 to pounds 43,000, is to take the money - and give his staff rises and use it to run his office. He said: "I am damned if I will give it to the Chancellor."

Taken For A Rise? - Page 8

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