§ 40. Mr. BARNESasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a bailiff who has been employed at the Runcorn County Court for five years is in receipt of a wage of one guinea a week only; whether he is aware that in this particular case the wage now paid is less than it was many years ago; and whether he will take steps to have the whole scale of bailiffs' wages reviewed and made more in keeping with the present cost of living?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNI am not aware of any bailiff employed at a wage of one guinea a week by the registrar performing the duties of high bailiff of the County Court of Runcorn. The registrar receives what is believed to be an ample allowance for the service and execution of process within his district, but the number of bailiffs employed and the distribution of the allowance are within his discretion. Some two years ago the allowance was substantially increased. As similar allowances have been revised from time to time on the application of the respective registrars and high bailiffs, I am not aware that there is any case requiring the steps to be taken suggested in the question.