§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that writers have not yet participated in the 12½ per cent. bonus; that, although writers are supposed to receive 1s. per week over the rate paid to labourers, the non-payment of the 12½ per cent. bonus results in the writers receiving less than the labourers; and whether it is proposed to grant the bonus to the writers?
§ Mr. BALDWINWriters and clerks are not entitled to participate in the 12½ per cent. granted to certain workmen. The claim for the extension of this or a corresponding increase to clerical classes in Government employment has been adjudicated upon by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board, and I am not prepared to depart from the decision of that Board on the matter.