I would point out that the facts regarding these appointments are not altogether correctly stated in the Question. The married woman referred to worked for three months without pay and, in view of her qualifications, was then appointed as a temporary assistant at a salary of £280 (not £350 per annum, as stated by the hon. Member). Her duties in the Ministry are independent of those of her husband, whose post in view of increased responsibility was upgraded in December, and his salary accordingly increased from £350 to £450 a year.

The increases of salary amounting approximately to £1,070 were granted on the recommendation of the head of the section, who necessarily had the fullest knowledge of the qualifications of his staff, and were approved by the head of the Department. The suggestion that the duties of the promoted officers remained the same as before their promotion is not entirely correct; some of them were, in fact, performing higher duties some time before their promotion, and I am satisfied that no further inquiry is necessary.