asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any representations have been received as to the payment of allowances to copying typists who, by reason of their skill in the use of dictating machines, are of greater value to the Department than the Majority of their grade; and whether, in view of the recent Report of the Registrar of Friendly Societies, in which he states that £550 a year is saved by the skill of such women, the question of allowances will now be considered?

Mr. GRAHAM:

I have already considered representations that additional allowances should be paid to typists who are employed operating dictating machines. It does not appear that the use of these machines requires any special skill, and I see no sufficient reason for the payment of allowances.