§ 65. Mr. Howard Johnsonasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that re-employed clerks with Army Record Offices are receiving basic wages of £4 16s. per week, irrespective of the fact that they may have had upwards of 10 years previous service; and whether he will now increase such basic wages to £6 per week, being the basic wages paid to new intake.
§ Mr. JayAll temporary clerks are paid alike on engagement, save that those with previous Government Service may count that service for increment, if the gap between past and present service does not exceed three months. This rule has been agreed with the representative staff association and I see no reason for any change. £4 16s. (and not £6 as stated in the Question) is the maximum rate paid to male recruits without previous service.
§ Mr. JohnsonCan the Minister possibly defend re-employing a man who has had a break of three months and three weeks at the salary which is paid 2305 to a novice, although that man may have had 10 years' experience in the Record Office prior to the three months' break in his service? Is it fair and just to do that?
§ Mr. JayThese matters of wages and conditions of service are decided through the regular collective bargaining machinery and I do not think it would be right for me to express opinions on them here.