§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to state when the Customs watchers will receive the benefit of the concessions approved by the Lords of the Treasury in their letter of the 18th August, 1900, No. 13,833/1900; and whether he will give an assurance that the watchers will receive their back pay from the date of the Treasury letter.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe increase of the overtime rate for watchers, when "hoarded," from 4d. to 6d. was introduced at once, and the increases of pay, when finally determined, will take effect as from the 18th August last—the date of the Treasury letter which sanctioned them. The selection of the individual watchers who are to receive these increases cannot be made until a complete seniority list has been compiled, but I hope that it may be announced before Christmas. The completion of a contract for the supply of uniforms has necessarily occupied some time and the uniforms will not be issued till 1st February next.