§ MR. CREMER (Shoreditch, Haggerston)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury have refused to grant the Second Class officers of the Savings Bank Department more than 7 per cent, of their average salaries as compensation for 16 per cent, more work recently imposed upon them by the introduction of the seven hours working day in that Department; whether the then Lower Division clerks in that Department received 15 per cent, on their average salaries when the system was applied to them in January, 1889; whether the maximum salary of the Second Class has been increased £50 only, while that of the Lower Division has been increased by £150 since January, 1889; whether the Second Class officers referred to have had three times the length of service of the Lower Division, and are now engaged upon superior work; and whether, in view of the superior claims of the Second Class, he will consider whether some further compensation can be awarded them?
§ *THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover SquareThe hon. Member's question rests upon the fallacy that compensation for the extra hour is to be given on the same scale as the payment for the other six hours. The Royal Commission were doubtful whether any compensation for the extra hour was necessary for Classes above the Lower Division, and the same opinion was expressed in a Debate in this House. We have gone beyond the recommendations of the Royal Commission in granting an allowance for the extra hour in the Savings Bank Department, and we trust that the House will support us in refusing further demands.