HC Deb 17 March 1892 vol 2 c1094

2. £10,000, Supplementary, Inland Revenue.

(6.4.) DR. CAMERON (Glasgow College)

I should like the right hon. Gentleman (Sir John Gorst) to give us some information on the subject of the lotteries, which I believe are carried on by some employés of the Inland Revenue Department.

THE CHAIRMAN

This is a Vote for additional remuneration in connection with the collection of taxes.

(6.5.) MR. MORTON (Peterborough)

I should like to ask for an explanation with regard to this Vote. It is practically an additional sum of £30,000 for collectors and assessors, because I see that £20,000 is to be taken out of special sub-heads of the Vote. I think we ought to have some information given to us.

SIR JOHN GORST

In consequence of an Act passed last Session the collectors, assessors, clerks, &c., instead of being paid by poundage as in former years, are now paid fixed salaries. The poundage was not paid until the whole sum had been collected and returned to the Treasury, but the salaries are paid quarterly, consequently the money which under the old system would not have been paid until the next financial year, becomes payable in the present financial year. The hon. Member rightly says that the whole amount is £30,000, but it is not really additional remuneration, it is only a sum paid earlier as salary than it was formerly paid as poundage.

MR. MORTON

Then I suppose we shall pay no more as salary than we paid as poundage

SIR JOHN GORST

No.

MR. MORTON

I think at the same time that it is very improper that money should be taken from various sub-heads. I daresay it is legal enough, but I trust the time is coming when it will not be allowed.

Vote agreed to.