§ Mr. HUNTTo ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that ex-soldier clerks and presskeepers employed at the War Office are in receipt of twenty and twenty-one days' annual leave, respectively, after five years' service, whereas assistant clerks (new class), a senior class in rank, receive only eighteen days after ten years' service; and whether he will extend to the assistant clerks the privilege of twenty-one days' leave after five years' established service.
(Answered by Mr. Runciman.) The regulations as to the leave of presskeepers and ex-soldier clerks are as stated by the hon. Member. The question of the leave of assistant clerks was fully considered two years ago, when an increase in the amount was granted, and I am not prepared to propose any modification of the existing rule.