§ MR. JOHN KELLY (Camberwell, N.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the authorities of the Science and Art Department are now employing clerks engaged by a firm of law stationers; whether this firm is paid 1s. an hour for the services of each such clerk, while the clerks themselves receive but 9d.; and, whether the system under which these clerks are mulcted in one-third for the actual sum paid for the work is to be continued?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (MR. JACKSON,) Leeds, N.Four copyists engaged by a firm of law stationers are being employed at South Kensington to meet a temporary press of work, for which the Civil Service Commissioners were unable to supply copyists. Their employment will be discontinued as soon as possible. The payment made per hour is 1s., but I have no cognizance of any arrangements between the clerks and the law stationers.
§ MR. J. KELLYMay I ask why if 1s. is paid by the Department only 9d is paid to the employés? Will the hon. Gentleman make an inquiry into the facts of the case?
§ MR. JACKSONI do not conceive that an inquiry would be advantageous. My hon. Friend knows quite well what the usual arrangement is. I do not think we can go behind the person we employ in order to ascertain what arrangements he makes with those he employs.