§ MR. PULESTONasked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the attention of the Government has been directed to the discontent existing amongst the clerks of the lower division, and in several other branches of the Civil Service, under the scheme known as the Playfair Scheme; and, whether it is the intention of the Government to make any investigation of the cause of such discontent, and with the view of ascertaining whether, under the working of this scheme, the Civil Service is being administered on a satisfactory basis?
§ MR. COURTNEYThe attention of the Government has not been recently directed to any discontent in reference to the Playfair Scheme; and there is no intention to investigate the cause of a discontent which, if it exists at all, is no more than the ordinary desire of all men to obtain better pay for their services. Even if there had been any serious evidence of dissatisfaction, the Government would not have thought it expedient to inquire into the operation of a system not yet in full working order, which must be fairly tried, in rest and quietness, before its merits can be properly tested.
§ MR. PULESTONgave Notice that he would take an early opportunity of moving the House for a Committee of Inquiry into this matter.