Mr. N UGENTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether in the fixing of the war bonus for the employés of the Grand Canal Company the fact was taken into consideration that the country agents are not provided with houses rent free like the agent in Dublin; whether he is aware that in connection with the increases granted to railway workers no differentiation was made as between those living in cities and those living in smaller towns; and whether, in these circumstances, he will make such representations as will secure that all the employés of the Grand Canal Company will be put on an equal footing as regards war bonus by increasing the war bonus of 6s. granted to country agents to the same sum as that granted to the staff in Dublin?
Sir A. STANLEYMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I understand that many of their country agents are provided with houses by the Grand Canal Company, and that in any case where a house is not provided the fact was taken into consideration in fixing the agent's salary. I have, however, referred the hon. Member's question to the Canal Control Committee, who will no doubt give it full consideration.