§ MR. A. GRANTasked the Secretary to the Treasury, If he can state what is the cause of the delay in applying the Customs Out ports re-organization scheme to the second class of clerkships and lower division; and, whether he can inform the House when that portion of the scheme will be given effect to?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHThe scheme of re-organization of the clerical departments of the Customs outports is, so far as regards those clerks of the second class who were already in the Service, actually in operation. The Treasury has agreed that writers who fulfil the conditions of Clause 12 of the Order in Council of the 12th of February, 1876, shall be appointed to fill vacancies of clerks of the second class at the outports. The preliminary inquiries as to the age, character, and qualifications of these writers have necessarily occupied a considerable time; but I understand that the names of the candidates recommended by the Board of Customs will be transmitted to the Treasury at an early date, with all particulars concerning them, with a view to their appointment to lower division clerkships being considered. I can assure my hon. Friend that no unnecessary time will be lost in completing the appointment of those writers who may be selected. The remaining vacancies of clerks of the second class will be filled 1608 by means of an open competitive examination, to be held by the Civil Service Commissioners.