HC Deb 18 June 1877 vol 234 cc1943-4
MR. J. HOLMS

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether, in making the recent appointment to fill the office of Controller of the Stationery Department, Her Majesty's Government had in view the recommendation made by the Select Committee of this House in 1874, to the effect that This officer should be charged with the duty, subject to the control of the Treasury, of making all the necessary contracts and arrangements for the supply of the stationery and printing required by Parliament and the public Departments, and with the management of the London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Gazettes" and, further, that " when a vacancy occurred in this office, provision should be made for uniting the control of the Stationery Office and the management of the Gazettes under one officer possessing the requisite technical knowledge of stationery and printing; and, whether he can inform the House if there was no officer in the Stationery Department capable of fulfilling the duties of Controller, what efforts were made by the Government to obtain a practical man of business possessing technical knowledge of stationery and printing, and if the Government can give an assurance that Mr. T. D. Pigott, who, it is said, has received the appoint- ment, does possess such technical knowledge of stationery and printing, and is a practical man of business?

MR. W. H. SMITH,

in reply, said, that before the recent appointment to the office of Controller of Stationery was made a careful consideration was given to the recommendations of the Select Committee of 1874, and the Prime Minister came to the conclusion that it was not desirable to add to the office of Superintendent of the "Gazettes" that of Controller of the Stationery Department. It might be desirable to add the office of Superintendent of "Gazettes" to that of Controller of Stationery, but not the larger office to the smaller. The gentleman selected for the post had done good service to the State in the War Department, and had proved himself to be a most able and practical man of business. Although he did not possess a technical knowledge of stationery and printing, the Treasury had perfect confidence that he would discharge the duties of the post with efficiency. In making this appointment there was no reflection cast on the officers of the Stationery Department, more than one of whom were very able. It ought to be added that Mr. Pigott would hold the office on the understanding that when the post of Superintendent of "Gazettes" became vacant, he might be called upon to undertake its duties without additional salary.

MR. J. HOLMS

gave Notice that on the earliest opportunity he would draw the attention of the House to this subject and move a Resolution.