asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to what extent delay in dealing with Civil Service claims for improved pay and conditions is caused by shortage of suitable staff in the appro- priate branch of the Treasury; by how much the staff is below strength; and what steps are being taken to evolve a satisfactory and speedy procedure which will not necessitate the enlarging of the present establishment.

I have written to the hon. Member on this matter. There has been no avoidable delay in dealing with these claims.

Does the Financial Secretary realise that the letter contains no reference to shortage of staff? Will he give an answer to that aspect of the question?

Of course there is a general shortage of staff, but what the Government want to do, if possible, is to cut down the staff that is there.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, in view of the fact that, on 10th December last, Miss A. L. Cowell was informed by the Ministry of Labour that a decision had been taken to re-assess the pay of clerical assistants transferred from the telephonist grade, why, on 11th March, his Department informed the appropriate staff association that a decision on this matter would not be available for a week.

I cannot trace this case, but, if the hon. Member will give me particulars, I will make inquiries.

May I supply particulars of the missing case when I recover my missing voice?