§ Mr. BETTERTONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Circular No. 216, relating to the sick pay of members of the staff of local War Pensions Committees, which prohibits the payment of sick pay to members of the staff who are subject to the provisions of the National Insurance Acts, during the first six months' paid service, is causing dissatisfaction amongst War Pensions Committees, who regard this Regulation as an injustice to their staff; and whether, in view of the large volume of work which the staff of these Committees is called upon to do, and to the fact that those affected are for the most part demobilised soldiers, he will cause such alteration to be made in the circular as will enable sick pay to be allowed irrespective of the length of the time of the service of the recipient?
§ Major TRYONThe Regulation referred to applies to the temporary staff of all Government Departments, and, as the pay of the staff of Local Committees is borne on the Vote of this Ministry, it is impracticable to accord to them more favourable treatment than that given to temporary officers in the direct employ of the Department, very many of whom are also demobilised soldiers.