HC Deb 21 October 1915 vol 74 cc1978-9
15. Mr. GOLDSTONE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any proportion of the war bonus paid to railway employés is borne by the National Exchequer; if so, what is the proportion; and whether the improved rates of war bonus recently announced will be extended to the clerical staff?

Mr. PRETYMAN

One-quarter of the first war bonus granted to railway employés who come within the Railway Conciliation Scheme is excluded from working expenses for the purposes of the agreement between the railway companies and the Government. No information has reached the Board of Trade as to what increase, if any, is being made in the amounts of the war bonuses previously granted to the railway clerical staffs.

Mr. GOLDSTONE

Will the Board of Trade make any representation in reference to this large staff of men?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I believe the matter is under the consideration of the railway companies, but, as my hon. Friend knows, this particular portion of the railway clerks are outside the scheme of the Government.

Mr. GOLDSTONE

Is the Board of Trade not responsible for a certain proportion of the rate paid to these clerks, as well as to the staff generally?

Mr. PRETYMAN

No; I think not.