§ Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the statement and promises made by the Prime Minister on 29th February last to the deputation of trade union leaders on the question of the limitation of wages to low-paid wage earners, he will now favourably consider the granting of a necessary increase in the weekly wages paid to Customs watchers, who only receive 21s. a week in the out-ports and 24s. a week in London, with the addition of 2s. a week good conduct allowance after ten years' service in the Department; and 1902W whether he is aware that in many cases the weekly wages of the watchers have not been advanced since 1900 except by the above-mentioned good conduct allowance?
§ Mr. McKENNAI regret that I do not see my way to recommending the grant of increased wages to the Customs watchers. As regards the last part of my hon. Friend's question, I would point out that the position of these men has been improved since 1900 in several points besides the good conduct allowances.