§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the delays which exist in dealing with claims properly presented to his Department by the appropriate associations concerned; that the claim on behalf of certain ex-temporary writing assistants in district managers' offices presented more than 12 months ago has not yet been finally decided; and whether, in view of the fact that junior ex-temporary writing assistants in the same offices, as a result of the industrial court award of 1925, have in most cases received benefit already and the consequent dissatisfaction existing amongst the senior girls in whose case there has been such prolonged delay, he will expedite a satisfactory settlement of the claim concerned?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am not aware of any general delay in dealing with such claims. With regard to the particular claim mentioned, which has been somewhat complicated, it has not so far been possible to reach agreement with the Association; but the matter has just been discussed again, with a view to seeking a settlement by arbitration, if necessary.