66. Major Lloydasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what has been the total cost of the industrial paid sick leave scheme operated in certain Government establishments since 1948.
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§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe scheme covers 46 Departments, some of which do not maintain complete central records of paid sick leave. In the circumstances, I do not think the cost in clerical man power of a special inquiry into the total cost would be justified at the present time.
67. Major Lloydasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a decision has been reached about modifying the working of the sick pay scheme in Government industrial establishments in the light of the investigation of the scheme by investigators of the Medical Research Council last year.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe recent investigation, the results of which have not yet been considered by the Medical Research Council, has not brought to light any evidence of serious abuse of the scheme. It has, however, given rise to certain suggestions by which the scheme might be improved. It is hoped to discuss these with the trade unions concerned in the near future.