asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many holidays with pay are granted annually to temporary messengers in the Government Departments; and how many holidays with pay are annually granted to temporary clerks with three months' service in Government Departments.

Temporary messengers, except where industrial conditions apply, are allowed twelve days' paid leave annually in addition to the usual paid public holidays. Temporary clerks are allowed 18 days' paid leave a year, again in addition to the usual paid public holidays.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether temporary messengers in Government Departments are granted sick pay during absence due to illness arising out of their employment.

Yes, Sir, up to a maximum of three weeks on full pay and thereafter three weeks on half pay, in any period of 12 months, after a qualifying period of 6 months.