HC Deb 13 August 1890 vol 348 cc914-6

47. £714,027, to complete the sum for Customs.

(9.11.) MR. A. O'CONNOR

I wish to ask whether the principal officers whose salaries are charged in this Vote really exist—whether there are such persons as the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and Secretary? Also whether there is such a person as the Commissioner? I also wish to know whether the salary of £1,200 charged for the Secretary is paid while the duties are discharged by a gentleman whose pay is also drawn as Surveyor General? There are many persons here charged for who, I believe, do not really exist. This matter involves an important principle, which relates to the amalgamation of the Customs and Inland Revenue Services. We are to maintain these two expensive Services because the Government do not see their way to their amalgamation, in consequence of the personal injury that would accrue to the heads of these Departments. We know that Sir Algernon West is at the head of the Inland Revenue, and must, on the amalgamation of the Departments, be at the top of the tree. In that case the question arises, what is to become of the gentleman who is now Chairman of the Customs Department? Thus the great reform we ask for is stopped by this personal question. I trust the Secretary to the Treasury will answer the question I have put.

(9.13.) MR. JACKSON

Yes, Sir; I will answer the question. The officers to whom the hon. Member refers do all exist. There are a Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Commissioner, and Secretary, but the hon. Member is wrong in saying that the Secretary is the Surveyor General. Having been appointed Secretary he no longer holds the post of Surveyor General. With regard to the question of amalgamation, I can assure the hon. Member that it has been most fully and carefully considered by the Government, who have come to the conclusion that the evidence is decidedly against the wisdom or expediency of such a charge, and that, on the whole, it is not desirable to amalgamate.

(9.15.) MR. A. O'CONNOR

I contend that there are not individuals to fill all the posts for which pay is drawn. There are not three Surveyors General, though three are paid for.

MR. JACKSON

The question has been considered whether it is possible or desirable to reduce the number of Surveyors General to two. I have carefully gone into the question, and I have come to the conclusion that it is not desirable.

Vote agreed to.

48. £1,553,926, to complete the sum for Inland Revenue.

Resolutions to be reported to-morrow.