asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount so far paid out as gratuities to temporary civil servants who have resigned their employment.

Under the Superannuation Act of 1949 gratuities are payable to-unestablished staff with at least seven years' service on termination of their service, whether as a result of redundancy, ill health, age or resignation. Separate records are not kept of the amounts paid under the various causes of termination, but the total amount paid in gratuities to unestablished staff between 14th July, 1949, and 31st August, 1950, was approximately £1,850,000.