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A 30 per cent pay rise for MPs - which could raise their salaries by pounds 10,000 a year - is under consideration by the Prime Minister's office, it was confirmed last night. The Senior Salaries Review Body met yesterday to agree its final report to No 10. It is widely expected to recommend the pay increases of up to one third on the backbench salary of pounds 34,085.

John Major, who has criticised high salaries in industry and commerce, could be embarrassed by sanctioning a large increase for MPs to keep pace with comparable professions. But there is one advantage - it would increase the size of MPs' pensions, provided that Parliament runs for a full term. Colin Brown

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