asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he proposes to grant increased rates of wages and allowances to clerks of old age pension committees and sub-committees, as they find it impossible to continue their work at their present low rates of remuneration.

The matter is being examined at present and if it is decided, as a result of that examination, that increases are warranted, the decision will be communicated as soon as possible to the interested parties.

Is the Minister aware that it is over six months since members of this House were informed that the matter was under active consideration and will he now say when he hopes to have the result?

The matter is still under consideration.