§ 78. Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Secretary to the Treasury why the King's Proctor's inquiry officers are not receiving the 135 per cent. on their salaries as allowed by the Cost of Living Committee award; and why these men are not allowed representation on the Departmental Whitley Council?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Baldwin)These officers are independent inquiry agents employed as and when required at daily rates of pay, which I am informed compare favourably with those paid by private agents for similar work. They are not covered by the Report of the Cost of Living Joint Committee of the Civil Service National Whitley Council, nor are they eligible for representation on a Departmental Council affiliated to the National Council.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIn view of the constant menace of the King's Proctor to the domestic peace of the country, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of abolishing that office altogether?
§ Mr. BALDWINI will consider that point.