§ MR. JAMES STUART (Shoreditch, Hoxton)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether it is the case that a number of the writers in the Statistical Department of the Customs are engaged upon similar work to that discharged by Lower Division clerks; whether some of these writers have been recommended for promotion; whether the Committee of Inquiry, having in view the reorganization of the Department, have expressed their opinion that a special rate of payment would probably meet the case; and, whether any such special rate of payment has yet been made; and, if not, when it is intended that it shall be made?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)It is the case that some of the writers employed in the Statistical Office in the Customs are engaged upon work of a similar character to that which is discharged by some of the Lower Division clerks. None of these writers have been recommended for promotion. The question of a special rate of payment for the persons employed in tabulating the statistics is being held over for permanent settlement until the Royal Commission on Civil Establishments shall have reported; but, meanwhile, the Treasury have agreed to grant a special rate of payment to the writers referred to by the hon. Member, which will shortly take effect on the introduction of the seven hours' system into the Office.