§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is true that the present Assistants of Excise have to serve from eight to 10 years before obtaining promotion, during which time their salaries are substantially the same as were fixed for their class 30 years ago, when similar promotion was obtained in four to five years; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of giving these officers a further increase of their present pay?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)(who replied) said: The last Assistant of the Excise who was promoted had served nearly eight years in that capacity. This period is likely to become shorter as time progresses. Although the salaries of Assistants of Excise are, as stated by the hon. Member, practically the same as were fixed 30 years ago, the present Assistants have the prospective advantages of promotion to better paid places in the future. With regard to the suggestion that these officers should be given an increase in their pay, Questions bearing directly on the subject have already been asked in the House on six previous occasions—namely, Mr. Macdonald Cameron, June 13, 1887; Mr. Sexton, September 8, 1887; Mr. Webster, March 26, 1888; Mr. O. V. Morgan, April 16, 1888; Mr. D. Sullivan, April 26, 1888—and I have really nothing to add to the replies which were then given.