§ 19. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether effect has yet been given to the proposal announced a year ago of an intended improvement in the scales of pay of divisional land officers and the technical grades working under them; and whether he can make any statement as to the extent of such improvement?
§ Mr. ElliotThe remuneration of the divisional land officers and the officers working under them is at the present time the subject of negotiations on the Departmental Whitley Council, and, in these circumstances, the hon. Member will appreciate that I am unable to make any detailed statement as to the extent of the actual improvement under consideration.
§ Mr. MathersDoes that mean that delay has taken place in dealing with the remuneration of these civil servants? Who is responsible for that delay? Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the matter is likely to be determined?
§ Mr. ElliotIt is true that the revised scales were laid before the staff in December, 1936, and negotiations have been in progress since that date, unfortunately without result so far.