§ MR. MACDONALD (Tower Hamlets, Bow)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether there are still upwards of 400 writers unpromoted to the class of assistant clerk or abstracter, created by the Treasury Minute of 10th August, 1889; whether there is any practical difference between the work performed by those yet unpromoted and those who have been promoted to this class; and whether he will take steps to ensure that all the eligible writers remaining unpromoted shall be promoted without any further delay?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTThe statement in paragraph I is correct, but nominations to abstracterships already made will bring the number down to about 386. Appointments to abstracterships are not made unless a Department satisfies the Treasury that there is work to be provided for, which is superior to copyists' work. As difference of duties is the only justification for appointing abstracters and increasing the public charge, it is impossible for me to give the pledge asked for.