asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of established shorthand-typists employed in Government Departments as on 1st April, 1938, and how many of them fell within each of the following age groups: under 21 years, 21 to 25 years, 26 to 30 years, 31 to 35 years, 36 to 40 years, 41 to 45 years, 46 to 50 years, and over 50 years?

4,482 established shorthand-typists were employed in Government Departments on 1st April, 1938. With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a tabular statement giving their division into age groups as requested.

Will that information convey to hon. Members and the general public the amount of pay these shorthand-typists are receiving?

No, Sir, that was not asked for.

If I put down a question, I dare say I shall got an answer.

Following is the statement:

Established shorthand-typists employed in Government Departments at 1st April, 1938.