No Genghis, but a standard government job salary is kept low on purpose. The CAA has more latitude being a 'corporate' to pay market rates. As for the cabinet ministers etc, the make it up in the couple of million in expenses and when they leave posts the cushy directorships. It is a means to an end. Blair makes millions on his book tours and after dinner speeches.
And you have just hit the nail on the head....
(not that I'd decline it if offered!)
It is about attracting the right people into the job and really what this complaints are about is the green eyed monster. If anyone here complaining about the jobs salary believes they have the skills to fill the post, they should apply for it......