§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that 46W the out-port watchers at Glasgow are only receiving 21s. per week; and, in consequence of the increase in all kind of foodstuffs, which amounts to over 50 per cent., if he is prepared to give the men an advance upon the present rates?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am aware that a certain proportion of the out-port watchers are paid at the rate stated by my hon. Friend. The Treasury has had under consideration the whole question of the wages of Customs watchers, and it has been decided to abolish the differential scale which now obtains for London and the provinces, and to substitute a uniform all-round scale of 24s. a week with three good conduct allowances of 1s. a week after four, eight, and twelve years respectively. The adoption of this scale will have the effect of giving all the out-port men an immediate rise of pay.