§ Mr. RAPERasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is proposed to continue as a permanency to 255W pay boys of 15, engaged in the Ministry of Health, 33s. 2d. per week, and boys of 17 from £2 to £2 11s. 9d. per week; and whether similar salaries are being paid to boys of the same age in any of the other Government Departments?
Mr. YOUNGOnly one boy is paid 51s. 9d. per week. This is a purely temporary rate, and, if our anticipations as to the cost of living are fulfilled, the wage will be reduced to approximately 43s. in September next, and 39s. 9d. in March. The great majority of the boys in question do not rise beyond 33s. 9d. per week inclusive of bonus at the present rate. With the exception of a small class of laboratory boys, which is peculiar to the Ministry of Health, the rates are common to the service. Except in the case of four boys who are paid at consolidated rates varying from 40s. to 43s. 6d., the rates will be automatically reduced on the revision of Civil Service bonus in September next.