HC Deb 12 May 1893 vol 12 cc780-1
MR. HANBURY

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the attention of the Government has been called to the fact that, while clerks of the Second Division are required to sign attendance books notifying the times of arrival and departure, no such requirement is made upon clerks of the First Division; and whether, in view of the fact that the recommendation of the recent Royal Commission laid stress upon the necessity for treating both Divisions alike in this respect, and for the First Division to set the example of punctual attendance, both Divisions of the Civil Service, who are equally required to give their whole time to their duties in order to qualify for pensions, will be placed upon a similar footing in the matter of attendance?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

The intention of the provisions in both the Orders in Council is the same—namely, that all officers, high or low, subject to those Orders should sign an attendance book. Heads of Departments are responsible for enforcing the regulation. It is strictly enforced in the Treasury, and I am not aware of any infraction of it in other Departments.

MR. HANBURY

As the right hon. Gentleman has admitted it is the intention of the Government that the rule should have the same effect in the case of both the First and the Second Division Clerks, may I ask him whether the Order in Council will be amended so that the wording shall be similar for both Divisions?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

I admit that the words are not the same; but until it has been shown that there has been an infrac- tion of the Order in different Departments I do not think that is necessary.

MR. HANBURY

Is it not a fact that First Division Clerks may refuse to sign the attendance book, and yet there will be no infraction of the Order in Council?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

I understand that the First Division Clerks do not refuse to sign; on the contrary, the book is signed regularly.

MR. HANBURY

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire of other Departments? I am told it is not so.

Sat J. T. HIBBERT

I am sure the hon. Gentleman would not wish me to act as a policeman in this matter in relation to other Departments.