§ MR. FRASER-MACKINTOSH (Invernessshire)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the graduated increase of pay formerly enjoyed by the men employed on the Ordnance Survey was suddenly stopped about three years ago by a new scheme of the Director General; whether this scheme has never been made known to those primarily interested; whether the scheme has been sanctioned by the Treasury; and whether he will lay a Copy upon the Table of the House?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. CHAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, SleafordThe pay of civil assistants and temporary civil assistants on the Ordnance Survey is regulated by the Minute affecting the pay and promotion of the civil members of the establishment of the Topographical Survey, which was presented to Parliament on July 2, 1872, and by subsequent Treasury Orders. The graduated increase of pay formerly enjoyed by the men employed on the Ordnance Survey, I am informed, was not suddenly stopped about three years ago by a now scheme. No new scheme of pay has been introduced. The system of the Ordnance Survey Department is, and always has been, to give increased pay for increased efficiency combined with length of service. The question apparently alludes to a confidential Circular which was issued in 1888, with a view to securing greater uniformity in the practice of division officers in the field and at headquarters with regard to recommendations for increases of pay. As this Circular made no alteration in the system of pay approved by the Treasury and the Office of Works it was not necessary to submit it for the sanction of the Treasury. I am afraid that I cannot lay a copy of a confidential Departmental Circular on the Table of the House. It would be quite unusual to do so.
MR. T. M. HEALTIs the Irish Department of the Ordnance Survey also under the control of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ MR. CHAPLINYes, Sir.