HC Deb 19 October 1916 vol 86 c734
14. Mr. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the cause of the delay in granting the improved terms of pay and bonus to the prison warders of Ireland; whether he is aware that this has now been promised on three different occasions, and yet not a penny extra has been paid; and when he hopes to be able to make it?

Mr. DUKE

The proposed increase of the ordinary pay of Irish prison warders is conditional upon the arrangement of a scheme of reorganisation. The consideration of the details of this scheme by the General Prisons Board, the Irish Government, and the Treasury has necessarily involved some delay, but the matter is now well advanced, and it is anticipated that the new scale, which will be retrospective, will very shortly be put into operation. The payment of war bonus to these officers under a recent Treasury circular has already taken effect.

Mr. FARRELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been agitated for seven months, and a similar reply has been given on several previous occasions; and will he now try to expedite the matter?

Mr. DUKE

The object which the hon. Member has in view is very near fulfilment now.