asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will say when an answer may be expected to the petitions of the prison warders of August last for a rise of pay, which has become necessary owing to the greatly increased cost of living during recent years?

I am sorry that I am not yet in a position to give any definite answer. I have been in communication with the Treasury, but it is on financial grounds impossible to arrive at any immediate decision. I can only say that the subject will be fully considered during the coming financial year.

Is it not the fact that these men have been waiting twenty years for an increase of salary?

I would like notice of that question.