HC Deb 09 August 1881 vol 264 cc1384-5
MR. PULESTON

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether he can inform the House how many Division Officers of Inland Revenue (Excise Branch) have in the last three years been promoted over the heads of their seniors in the service; whether the collectors are adverse to the system of special recommendations; and, whether, as carried out, it causes discontent in the service?

LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISH

Sir, out of 155 division officers of Excise examined for promotion since November, 1878 (96 of whom passed their examinations successfully), only 12 were promoted over the heads of their seniors. The Board of Inland Revenue are not aware that collectors are adverse to the system of special recommendations. I am not aware that there is any discontent, except among officers passed over; but I may add that selection is very important for the efficiency of the Service.