MR. O'CONORasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, What steps have been taken to place those writers who are eligible, under the conditions of Clause 12 of the Order in Council of the 12th February 1876, in the new lower grade of the Civil Service; and, whether, in the case of men who have served a number of years as writers, such service shall count towards pay and promotion in the new division?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER,in reply, said, that applications were in course of being received from the particular Departments in which writers were specially selected for appointment. Several appointments had been made, and others were under consideration. With regard to the position of writers, such as had received more than the minimum would, if advanced, be allowed to begin at the higher salary. Promotion would be regulated strictly and exclusively by merit.