HC Deb 12 May 1890 vol 344 cc689-90
MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the following Circular has been issued by the Board of Customs:—

"Secretary, Customs,

No. 32,551, 1889.

Custom House, London,

25 Oct., 1889.

Return of Ages and Capacities.

The collectors and superintendents at the. outports, and the inspector of the Outdoor Department in London, are directed to insert in their next Return of Ages and Capacities (i.e., for the current year only), against the names of all officers of the Outdoor Department under the rank of surveyor, the place of their birth, and the place of their residence during the three years immediately preceding their entry into the service.

By Order,

John Courroux."

and, if so, for what purposes these inquiries are instituted?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover Square

Yes, the Circular was issued. Its object was to enable the Hoard to make arrangements in the interest of the Revenue, for stationing the officers at ports at which they would not be likely to have friends engaged in the shipping trade.