HC Deb 08 April 1930 vol 237 cc1949-50
50. Sir F. HALL

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that permanent non-pensionable ex-service clerks in the Civil Service in receipt of weekly salaries of either £5 3s. 7d. (Grade 1), £4 6s. (Grade II), and £3 13s. 1d. (Grade III), London 44–hour week, when appointed to the established clerical classes under the provisions of Clause 5 of the Government Memorandum of 12th January, 1925, would have their pay reduced by nearly £80, £44, and £24, respectively, per annum; and will he state precisely what benefits accrue to the officers concerned in exchange for such deductions of pay?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I am aware that by the application of the starting pay rules laid down by the Lytton and Southborough Committees and the Industrial Court, some of the officers of the class mentioned may suffer temporary loss on promotion to the established clerical classes, and representations on this matter by the staff interests concerned are under consideration. With regard to the latter part of the question, such officers on establishment obtain substantially better conditions of pension, leave and sick leave, and in addition receive, according to the circumstances of appointment, scales of salary rising to yearly maxima, inclusive of bonus, of £361, £330 and £273.

Sir F. HALL

If there should be such very large deductions, in some cases amounting to 30s. a week, from the small salaries which these people earn, and as the matter is being looked into, will the hon. Gentleman undertake that it shall be hurried up with a view to improving the position of these men, who have very scanty pay?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I cannot add anything to my answer.

Mr. W. J. BROWN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, as between one established grade of civil servants and another, the rule governing salaries on promotion is that there shall be at least no loss, and will he bear that in mind in considering the representations which he has received, and will he also tell us when a reply is likely to be received to those representations?

Mr. PETH1CK-LAWRENCE

I cannot add anything to my answer.

Sir F. HALL

I will ask the question again immediately after the Easter holidays.