§ 10. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Secretary of State for War whether his atten- 727 tion has been called to the demands for improvements in the conditions of employment of the civil subordinates of the War Office; whether these questions have been or are being investigated by the War Office; and whether he is prepared to amelioratae the conditions of employment of these men as regards their grading, rates of pay, hours of work, overtime, and pensions?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe wages and conditions of service of all civilian employés are constantly under review in connection with the movements in these matters throughout the country generally, and every endeavour is made to meet all complaints received in the full spirit of the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House. The usual machinery of arbitration established for the benefit of all Government civilian employés is invoked wherever necessary.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERAre the conditions of employment of civil subordinates in the War Office still under consideration?
§ Mr. FORSTERThey are always under consideration.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERAre they under consideration with a view to arriving at a decision?
§ Mr. FORSTERIf my hon. and learned Friend means are we reviewing all salaries or rates of pay or conditions of service, the answer is no; but we are constantly reviewing cases of different classes of our employés, and bringing the scale of remuneration up to what is fair.
§ Sir E. CARSONAre the persons referred to not affected by an increase in the cost of living, and are they allowed to join trade unions?
§ Mr. FORSTERCertainly they are affected by an increase in the cost of living, and that is met by the war bonuses which they receive from time to time. With regard to the other question asked by my right hon. and learned Friend, I should like to have a more specific case. I cannot answer generally.