§ Sir W. SEAGERasked the Minister of Pensions if dissatisfaction exists among the pay clerks in the provinces, especially in large cities like Cardiff, that their wages have only been raised to 66s. per week, whilst the London clerks receive 70s.; is he aware that the cost of living in Cardiff is as high as it is in London: and will he consider the desirability of placing these clerks on an equal footing?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe existing minimum wage for clerical work of a routine character is 56s. a week in the provinces and 64s. a week in London. These are the rates authorised by the Treasury for all Government Departments, but I understand that they are at present under consideration, and I have no doubt that the question of continuing or discontinuing the present system of differentiation will be carefully examined.