§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether any consideration will be given to the representations made during the late Parliament on behalf of the Inland Re-venue officials; and, whether the Government will consent to the appointment of a committee to inquire into the alleged grievances?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT)said, that this matter had not come before him, and he should certainly act upon the same principles as his immediate Predecessor, who declined to re-open this question unless new points or new evidence were brought before him. Last 1210 December, however, it had been found possible, owing to savings in other branches of the Inland Revenue, to improve very sensibly the condition of the Excise staff, and Papers on the subject would be laid before the House.
§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLasked if the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the officers of the Treasury had bound themselves to accept the decision of any Committee which might be appointed by the House; and whether it was not in the right hon. Gentleman's recollection that when he was a candidate for the representation of Derby he did not undertake in writing, if he (Sir Herbert Maxwell) were not mistaken, to support a Motion for inquiry?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI really have no recollection of that; but candidates and Chancellors of the Exchequer are very different persons.