asked the Minister of Health if he has now considered a resolution sent him by the registration officers of the North-West Districts of England and Wales protesting at the protracted delay in dealing with their application for an increase in their pre-war basic salaries; and what answer he has made.

Yes, Sir. A reply has been sent explaining that new scales of salary cannot become operative except by a formal amendment of the statutory scheme in force in each area. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the letter which was sent in reply to the resolution.

Will the Minister tell us whether a decision, when made, will be retrospective?

I could not say offhand.