§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is a fact, that of the six Lower Division clerks in the Treasury Office no less than five were formerly writers, and that four of them are so efficient as to be receiving the highest rate of duty pay; and, whether instructions have been issued to the Civil Service Commissioners to fill up 121 vacancies in the Lower Division of clerks by the usual method of competitive examination?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)(who replied) said: There are 10 Lower Division clerks in the Treasury, not six as stated by the hon. Member. Of these, seven were men who had been long in the employment of the Treasury, and on account of the special circumstances of their case they were placed in the Lower Division at the time when it was instituted. Five of them are receiving duty pay; but none of them the highest rate of duty pay permitted. Of the 121 vacancies referred to in the second part of the Question, 72 will be filled by Lower Division clerks who have obtained places on the list, but have not yet been employed. Directions have been given for an examination to be held about August next.