HC Deb 03 April 1941 vol 370 cc1191-2W
Sir W. Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the basic rate of salaries for assistant land agents employed by the War Office; how many are so employed; and, in view of the fact that a' motor car is necessary for their work and the present allowances are based on pre-war expenses and that many of the assistant land agents, owing to the nature of their duties, are compelled to live away from their homes, will he review the scale of pay and allowances at present in operation?

Captain Margesson

If, as I assume, my hon. Friend is referring to the junior grade of temporary assistant land agent employed in commands, the salary is £350 per annum, but a. higher rate of £400 may be paid in certain cases. The total establishment for this grade is 297, and all but a few have been appointed. As regards the last part of the Question, it is not possible to vary the rate of remuneration, which is based on the responsibilities of the post, to meet the case of those who live away from their homes, but the question of placing a larger proportion of the staff on the £400 rate is at present under cansideration.