asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that one of the Irish Republican Army deportees, while under the suspicion of the police, obtained a situation as timekeeper at a Militia camp being erected in Hampshire, at a wage of £7 per week; and will he state the reason why such a high wage was being paid to the man in question?

I have ascertained that the man referred to was engaged and employed by the contractor at the wage stated, inclusive of all allowances and overtime, and I am advised that, in all the circumstances, the rate was not excessive for the duty and hours involved.