§ Sir J. HOODasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of temporary messengers in Government offices who are not eligible for sick pay; whether he will consider the removal of this deprivation; and how many of such temporary messengers are ex-service men?
Mr. GRAHAMThe figures requested by the hon. Member are not readily available and could not be obtained without elaborate inquiries. With few exceptions temporary messengers are ex-service men. As regards the question of sick pay, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Lieut.-Colonel Guinness).