HC Deb 27 January 1931 vol 247 cc791-2
43. Mr. MATHERS

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered additional representations from the second-class clerks of the Department of the Registers and Records of Scotland, based on changes in their duties and responsibilities since the settlement of 1923; and if he now regards the representations made to him by the second-class clerks since 30th May last as sufficient to justify the granting to them of the terms given to the second-division clerks under the reorganisation Report of 1920?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The representations of the second-class clerks for an improvement in their position will receive attention in conjunction with the review now pending of the staff requirements of the Department of the Registers and Records of Scotland.

Mr. ERNEST BROWN

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any assurance as to when we shall get a decision, whether it will be early or not?

Mr. ADAMSON

I cannot say at the moment.

44. Mr. MATHERS

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the annual cost to the Department of the Registers and Records of Scotland of the establishment of the special class since it was constituted and the annual estimated cost for the next five years; if he is aware that the burden of the enhanced conditions accorded to that class has been borne by the second-class clerks in the Department; and will he, in view of the diminishing cost of the special class due to retirals, take steps to restore the second-class clerks to a position of equality with the former second-division clerks which was accorded in 1919?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. MATHERS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in refusing to accept the suggestion that the whole cost of the special class men is being borne by the second-class clerks, he is taking refuge in 1 per cent. difference between us?

Following is the answer:

The annual cost to the Department of the Registers and Records of Scotland of the salaries and bonus of members of the special class of clerks since its constitution is as follows:

£
1921 20,354
1922 17,677
1923 15,699
1924 14,731
1925 14,308
1926 13,121
1927 12,541
1928 12,410
1929 12,107
1930 11,765

And, subject to unforeseen variations, the corresponding figures for the next five years are estimated as follows:

£
1931 11,020
1932 10,162
1933 9,294
1934 8,129
1935 6,774

I am unable to accept the suggestion in the remaining parts of the question; but as already stated the representations of the second-class clerks are under consideration.