asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to introduce a new grade of temporary women clerks at a salary of £140–£180 per annum; and, if so, if he will be prepared to consider the removal of second-class clerks, at present receiving a salary of £110, from the Savings Bank Department, with little prospect of advancement, to some of the better-paid posts to be created for the temporary women clerks?

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the temporary higher-grade women clerks, whose scale, as recently revised, falls approximately within the limits stated. With reference to the hon. Member's suggestion, I understand that, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, the pressure of work in the Savings Bank Department renders it difficult to arrange for any further transfers of the kind suggested.