§ 62. Colonel APPLINasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Civil Service Clerical Association communicated with his Department on the 25th September, 1925, asking whether the balance of civil pay 1236 of a second-class writer serving in the Royal Ordnance Factory, Enfield, might be reassessed; that no less than 14 reminders have been addressed to his Department on the subject; that in December last the Financial Secretary stated, in reply to a Parliamentary question, that the matter would be expedited as far as possible; that the association concerned is still without a definite reply on the matter; whether arrangements will be made to furnish the association concerned with an early reply; and whether steps will be taken to ensure that questions affecting the staff employed in his Department will in future be promptly dealt with?
§ Captain KINGAs I explained to my hon. and gallant Friend in December, the case raises a question of principle, on which it has been necessary to consult other Departments and make local inquiries. Everything possible will be done to expedite a decision, but cases of this kind, which involve investigation into circumstances arising 10 years and more ago, inevitably take considerable time.
§ Colonel APPLINCan my hon. and gallant Friend give me any date on which we may expect this decision?
§ Captain KINGFrom the nature of my answer my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that I can give no definite date, but I am again urging that the matter should be decided as soon as possible.