§ Mr. KEATINGasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to state his decision with regard to Irish old age pension clerks; whether he is aware that the existing scale of fees was fixed for dealing with ordinary claims in 1903, when the purchasing power of the sovereign was much higher than it is to-day; that the scale of allowances for travelling expenses, postage, stationery, office, etc., is based on population, and that these expenses are much higher in
420Wproportion to each claim than in Great Britain; that the new scale of fees for investigating claims for additional allowances to old age pensioners in effect means payment of about one-fifth the
existing rate for such work; that in Ireland only contested claims for dependants' allowances made by relatives of soldiers-and sailors are submitted to Irish committees, whereas all such claims are submitted to British committees, thus placing the Irish clerks at a disadvantage; and will he take steps to equalise the remuneration of Irish clerks with that of British clerks?
§ Mr. BALDWINMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have had under consideration a memorial from the pension clerks on this subject. I
hope to be able to announce my decision shortly and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.