asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the hours of employment in Government offices for all clerical grades; if overtime work has to be done; and, if so, whether increased payment is made and at what rate?

The normal hours of attendance for the general clerical classes in London headquarter offices are seven a day. In provincial offices generally, where a large proportion of the clerical staff is employed, the normal hours are eight a day. The higher grade of the clerical class, and all classes above the clerical class, are not eligible for overtime pay. As regards classes eligible for overtime pay, payment is only made for necessary overtime duly authorised by a responsible officer, and, in the case of classes with a normal seven-hour day, only hours above 42 in a week may be counted as overtime. The rates for classes eligible for overtime pay after 42 hours a week are as laid down in Award 118 of the Civil Service Arbitration Board, namely: Time rate and a quarter for the first 12 hours of overtime (i.e., from 42 to 54 hours a week). Time rate and a half for the next six hours of overtime. Double rate thereafter. Analogous arrangements apply to staffs conditioned to a longer working week.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is contemplated, in future promotions from the temporary staff to the permanent establishment, to recognise as counting towards pension all unestablished service on the temporary staff?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer which I gave on this subject on the 22nd March.

As the answer is so unsatisfactory, would my hon. and gallant Friend say what progress has been made?

As the hon. and learned Member will see, if he refers to answers to supplementary questions, I have said that if he will let me know privately I shall be glad to consider it. I do not know the point which is in his mind.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the earliest date when the higher clerical appointments which are contemplated in the Inland Revenue Department will be announced; or, if not, what is the present position of the matter and the cause of the delay in making such announcement?

I regret that I cannot at present indicate a date. Such delay as has occurred is due to the necessity for determining the number of posts required and selecting the most suitable personnel to fill them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether be is yet in a position to state what will be the extra cost to the Government of the recent decision in Sutton v. Rex?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer given on this subject on the 21st March last in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh?

When will the hon. and gallant Gentleman be in a position to answer, in view of the very disquieting reports as to the amount, which totals £22,000,000?

I am unable to give an answer until the matter has been adequately considered.

When wilt that be?

I am afraid that I cannot say.