§ MR. KELLY (Camberwell, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, with regard to the decision of the Treasury some time ago that the junior clerks in the Office of Woods and Forests should be abolished and the staff recruited from the Second Division clerks, will he explain why on a vacancy occurring in the junior class last year the Treasury very reluctantly allowed the Commissioners of Woods and Forests to procure a junior clerk, but only on the distinct understanding that no further appointments would be made to that class; and whether he will state the reason for the declaration of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, authorised by the Treasury, that the Second Division clerks are to be redundant, notwithstanding the fact that they have served for many years in such office, and not only are well acquainted with the work, but have, indeed, in many cases been entrusted in the absence of responsible officials with the discharge of the duties of the latter?
SIR J. GORSTThe Treasury permitted a competitive examination for a junior clerkship in the Office of Woods to take place because they were satisfied that there was sufficient reason for filling up the vacancy. The subject of the establishment of the Woods Office has been discussed in connection with the adoption of seven hours. Some Second Division clerks will be transferred as opportunity offers, and some will be replaced, also as opportunity offers, by employees of a lower class.