§ Mr. GROVESasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that many Departments have not yet paid out benefit under the Industrial Court's awards of the 24th and 31st July, 1925, respectively, to writing assistants and shorthand typists concerned; and, in view of the discontent and hardship involved in many cases, and seeing that the Industrial Court made these particular awards to alleviate excessive hardship amongst those concerned, and that five months have elapsed in which to apply the findings of the Industrial Court, will he make arrangements forthwith that all the Departments concerned shall pay out benefit to those entitled to it under the awards before Christmas?
§ Mr. McNEILLNo, Sir. Authority for the application of the awards mentioned was given to Departments by the Treasury on the 4th and 5th September last. A difference has arisen in point of interpretation of Award 1110 referring to writing assistants, and that difference has been referred to the Industrial Court 1685W under the Industrial Court (Procedure) Rules, 1920. With this exception, I am not aware that there has been any delay.