84. Mr. DAVIESasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that revised scales of pay for Grade II., Class I., warders in the Irish prisons service, and also for matrons, Classes I. and II., were announced in the official statement issued to the Dublin Press from Dublin Castle on the 2nd October last; that those revised scales were issued to the Press as having received Treasury sanction; that the officers in question have not, up to the present, been put in possession of those new scales; if so, will he now say why payment has been so long delayed; and will he take immediate steps towards having them paid as early as possible, and see that the new scales are made retrospective as from 1st April, 1919, as in the case of all other ranks in the Irish prisons service?
§ Mr. HENRYFurther correspondence has been necessary with the Irish Government and the Treasury since the official announcement referred to was made, and as a result of this the revised scales for the matrons, Classes 1 and 2, are being promulgated, with retrospective effect from 1st April, 1919. The case of the Class 1, warders, grade 2, is still under consideration, but it is hoped that a decision will be reached at an early date.