§ 54. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that women office cleaners employed by Government Departments receive a maximum of 1s. 8¾d. per hour and messengers between£4 9s. and£4 15s. a week; that these rates of pay are inadequate, in view of the steady increase in the cost of living; and when it is proposed to accede to the union claim for an increase of 3d. an hour for cleaners and 10s. a week for the messengers.
§ Mr. JayThis claim is under discussion with the Civil Service Union. A further meeting with the staff representatives will be held very shortly and I hope a settlement will be reached.