§ SIR JOSEPH M'KENNAcalled attention to the case of the writers in the Civil Service, and urged their claims for higher remuneration. He hoped, when the Chancellor of the Exchequer was giving assurances all round, that he would not forget the claims of a very worthy class of men, who were not the less deserving of consideration because they had very few to speak for them.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, he had no right to address the House again, but would simply answer the two questions which had been proposed to him. With regard to the second, he did not think the hon. Gentleman the Member for Youghal (Sir Joseph M'Kenna) was quite correct in saying that the class for whom he spoke had few to take an interest in them. He believed that many took an interest in them, and they also commanded the interest and attention of Her Majesty's Government. He would not, however, make any statement on the subject at present. With regard to what had been said by the hon. Member for Clonmel, he forgot what was the precise language he used; but he was quite sure as to what was in his mind. The Report on the subject had not yet been fully considered, and he remembered making up his mind that he would look into it as soon as he had leisure. He would not have an opportunity of considering it in all its bearings till he was able to have a talk with his right hon. Friend near him (Mr. J. Lowther), and the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The subject he felt to be one of very great interest, and he would endeavour to find time to consider it. He thought he might say that if nothing was done in regard to it during the Recess, it would be very reasonable that next Session the hon. Member should move for a Select Committee to inquire into the matter, and if the hon. Gentleman did so he would be disposed to agree to it. He thought he ought to discourage such a Motion that Session, because it could hardly have any effect. No doubt, the matter was one that ought to be attended to.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed for To-morrow.