§ MR. ESSLEMONT (Aberdeen, E.)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Committee appointed by the Secretary for Scotland to inquire into the salaries, &c., of Scotch Prison Officials have made any Report; whether the Government intend to take any steps to remove the distinctions which at present exist between the English and Scotch prison officials; and whether the Government, for the information of Parliament, will explain why higher salaries are paid to English warders and guards than they pay to Scotch officers?
SIR J. GORST (who replied)said: The hon. Member will allow me to answer the question. The reply to the first paragraph of the question is in the affirmative. The Report has been presented. With reference to the second and third paragraphs, I can only repeat what I have said in answer to similar questions already put to me, that it is impossible in reply to a question to compare the various considerations that justify the rates of salaries in each particular case.
§ MR. ESSLEMONTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will put this Report on the Table of the House?
SIR J. GORSTThat is a question the hon. Member should address to my right hon. Friend the Lord Advocate. Perhaps he will give notice of it?
§ MR. ESSLEMONTI will put the question on Thursday.