§ Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that ordinary horsekeepers in coal mines are paid higher salaries than the Home Office inspectors of horses in mines; whether he has received an application from such inspectors for an increase of their salaries, and whether, in view of the valuable work which is being done by these inspectors in regard to the proper care and treatment of horses and ponies in mines and of the increased cost of living, he will recommend an increase in their salaries?
§ Mr. SHORTTCareful inquiry has been made as to the present rate of remuneration both of head horsekeepers and ordinary horsekeepers at large collieries in different parts of the country, and the result clearly shows that the remuneration of the horse inspectors who are receiving a substantial war bonus in addition to salary, compares, on the whole, not unfavourably with the remuneration of the head horsekeepers and is considerably better than that of other horsekeepers. I appreciate the excellent work done by the horse inspectors and should have been glad if I could have seen my way to recommend them for an increase of salary, but in the circumstances I have mentioned, and bearing in mind that these inspectors are entitled as Civil servants to pension and other advantages, I regret I do not feel able to support their application.