Mr. NUGENTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that payment of the war bonus awarded by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Government employé's as from the 17th December last is being withheld from the temporary technical and clerical staffs employed in the General Valuation office, Dublin, while payment is being made to similar classes in other Departments; and whether, inasmuch as the non-payment of the bonus is causing hardship and discontent amongst the staffs mentioned, he will issue instructions to have the bonus paid immediately to the officers concerned?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe war bonus referred to was awarded to permanent —established or unestablished — employés, but not to temporary employés. The term "permanent" has usually been applied only to established staff, and a misunderstanding arose owing to the special significance given to it by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board. Instructions have now been given for the payment of the bonus to the unestablished staff, and I am obliged to the hon. Member for calling my attention to the matter.