§ MR. P. O'BRIEN (Monaghan, N.)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the experiment has ever been tried of putting an experienced and intelligent Lower Division clerk to perform some of the duties at present performed in the Colonial Office by Higher Division clerks, and with what result; and, whether, considering that the vacancy has already existed for over a year without serious detriment to the efficiency of the Department, the Government will delay making any appointment until the proposed Consultative Committee of the Royal Commission have had an opportunity of advising in the matter?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)The experiment has not been made. The work of the Higher Division clerks in the Colonial Office is of a specially high class, although it comprises some minor duties which it is not always possible to separate from the rest. The association of two classes of clerks in the same general business and the same rooms has been avoided, as it would then be practically impossible to secure the requisite distinction between their respective duties; and there would be the risk of the higher class of work being devolved upon a class of clerks not intended to deal with it, and thereby giving rise to dissatisfaction and complaints prejudicial to the interests and 1759 discipline of the Service. The delay in filling the vacancy which has occurred has solely been owing to the anxiety to make a proper selection. This is about to be announced; and the very great inconvenience arising from the pressure of work which has been felt in the interval makes it impossible, with due regard to the efficiency of the Department, any further to delay the appointment, which, in principle, has already been determined upon in consultation with the Treasury.