§ Colonel W. THORNEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the fear existing in the Civil Service that the present war bonus grants may at any time be reduced or withdrawn without the representatives of the staff being consulted or being given an opportunity of representing their views on the matter; and what steps he proposes to take to allay the feeling of insecurity thereby created?
§ Mr. BALDWINI gladly avail myself of this opportunity to remove any misapprehension which may exist in the Civil Service with regard to this matter. The Treasury will not reduce or withdraw the general war bonuses at present applicable to the Civil Service without giving previous notice to the associations which have been parties to the various awards of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board, and such notice will be given in time to allow of discussion of the proposal between the Treasury and the parties concerned, if they desire it, and of reference of the question to the Conciliation and Arbitration Board, should agreement not be be arrived at, before the reduction takes place.