REVENUE DEPARTMENTS. (Hansard, 22 August 1889)

§ SIR G. CAMPBELL
I have a question to ask on this Vote; but not anticipating that we should reach this Vote to-night I did not bring my papers with 210 me. My question is with regard to permanent servants of the Crown holding Directorships of Public Companies. As to the future, the Government have laid down a rule which is proper so far as it goes; but I wish they had adopted the rule of the Colonial Office, which is more stringent, and which has been recommended by the Commissioners. I wish to raise a question as regards officers of the Inland Revenue who, in contravention of the spirit of the existing rule, have accepted these posts. I believe that a rule preventing officers from accepting posts which require their attendance between 10 and 6 o'clock has for many years been in force in the Treasury Department. On previous occasions I have called attention to the case of Sir Alfred Slade, Receiver General of the Inland Revenue, who is a Director of several companies. I am told he is a Director of a Land Company and also of the Union Steamship Company—a Company carrying out very extensive operations. Surely this is an abuse of the position of Receiver General of the Inland Revenue. I understand also that he has been associated with South African Gold Companies—with one which, having been bolstered up by the use of his name for a few weeks, in the end went altogether to smash. This circumstance has caused some of the financial newspapers to use very harsh and unpleasant language concerning him. I beg to move the reduction of the Vote by the sum of £500, being part of the Receiver General's salary, in the hope that the Chancellor of the Exchequer may be induced to make some statement which will bring this scandal to an end.

§ MR. JACKSON
The hon. Member was good enough to give me notice that he was going to raise this question, and I immediately communicated with Sir Alfred Slade, asking him as to the facts. I have to-day received a letter 211 from Sir Alfred Slade, who states that he is a Director of one small Land Company. That is the only company he is connected with, and his connection with it will very shortly cease. Probably, therefore, the Committee will feel that Sir A. Slade has done everything he could to carry out the regulation and to meet the hon. Gentleman's view.

§ SIR G. CAMPBELL
The hon. Member's explanation is quite satisfactory. I am aware that Sir A. Slade is no longer connected with the Union Steamship Company. In the circumstances, I will withdraw my Motion for the reduction of the Vote.