§ Mr. DUNCANasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that considerable uneasiness exists amongst the messengers employed at His Majesty's Land Registry owing to the fact that they have been put to do clerical work at messenger's pay; whether he is aware that a full statement of the men's claim has been submitted to the Treasury on 7th January, 1925, and that no reply has yet been made: and whether he will inquire into the matter with a view to its speedy rectification?
Mr. GUINNESSThe claim to which the hon. Member refers is a Departmental one and has been very carefully considered. No case is seen for departing from the arrangements decided upon so recently as July last. These arrangements included provision for the grant of special allowances on account of special duties not covered by the ordinary rate of pay and were, I understand, discussed with, and accepted by, representatives of the staff concerned. I may add that some of the men have, recently benefited by the improved scale of pay granted to unestablished messengers in London offices under the agreement embodied in Treasury Circular of 31st December last.