Mr. DUNCANasked whether, in view of the fact that the cost of living in London for dockyard writers was now only £25 a year more than in the dockyard towns, it is to be understood that the salaries of these officials and those serving in the dockyards and other naval establishments will be increased by at least £15 a year to meet the increase in the cost of living since the London allowance of £40 was fixed; if it is proposed to extend the London allowance to all members of the writing staff serving in the London district; and, if so, will these increases take effect from 10th March, 1910?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is the fact that amongst the recommendations of the Committee on Writing Staff was the proposal to reduce the London allowance from £40 to £25 a year. This has been promulgated, but I must point out that a number of other recommendations of the committee are still under consideration.