HC Deb 19 May 1919 vol 116 c22
44. Mr. LORT-WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Government messengers receive a wage of 27s. per week of forty eight hours with a war bonus of 23s.; whether, in arriving at these figures, regard is had to the fact that the applicant is in receipt of a pension for wounds, long service, etc.; and whether, having regard to the cost of living, he will arrange that in future, instead of the above wage and bonus, a permanent wage of £3 per week of forty-four hours be granted to all Government messengers in addition to any pension received?

Mr. BALDWIN

The present remuneration of unestablished messengers in Government Departments in London has been fixed by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board at 24s., plus 3s. temporary increase, plus full bonus (29s. 5d.), making in all 56s. 5d. for a forty-eight hour week, and, as the Board's decision is binding on both parties, I am not prepared to reopen the matter. It is understood that in fixing this remuneration the Board entirely disregarded the fact that certain members of the class are in receipt of wounds, long service, etc., pensions.

Sir S. HOARE

When is a permanent rate of wages going to be fixed in place of a war bonus?

Mr. BALDWIN

I think that those rates are matters for consideration by the Whitley Council which is now being set up.