HC Deb 17 July 1893 vol 14 c1703
MR. T. M. HEALY

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what are the numbers and positions of the officials of this House, and their total annual salaries, whose offices are in the gift of the Clerk at the Table; and can he state why the pledge given by the late Mr. William Henry Smith, that these posts would be thrown open to competition and placed under the Civil Service Commissioners, has not been redeemed?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

I am informed that the number of persons in the Department of the Clerk of the House is (excluding the Clerks at the Table) 45, and their total salaries (exclusive of allowances) amount to about £17,000. I am not aware of any pledge given by the late Mr. W. H. Smith, but I should point out that appointments to clerkships are already made by limited competition under a scheme of examination by the Civil Service Commissioners.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Is it intended to let the matter remain as it is notwithstanding Mr. Smith's promise?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

The question is one which is dealt with by the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament, and the Treasury have no power to interfere.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Do I understand it would require an Act of Parliament to change the system?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

Certainly.

MR. SEXTON (Kerry, N.)

Are the powers and duties of the Clerks at the Table defined by Statute?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

I believe they are defined.

MR. SEXTON

I beg to give notice that I will move for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the powers and duties of the Clerk at the Table with a view to their precise definition.