§ MR. VESEY KNOX (Londonderry)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury when, by whom, and for what period the shorthand writers of the House are appointed; whether there is any public competition by tender or otherwise for the post; and whether he is aware that the amount, of their charges is about double that usually obtained by shorthand writers.?
§ * THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) PrestonThe shorthand writer is appointed by the Clerk of the House under a Resolution of the House passed on 8th May 1813. The last appointment was in 1872. A fresh appointment is only made on a vacancy arising. I am not aware of any public competition. The scale of charges is fixed by Standing Orders (Table of Fees) at £2 2s. per diem for note-taking, and 9d. per folio of 72 words transcribed. The rate per folio paid by the Treasury to shorthand writers for temporary commissions is 6d., and in the Law Courts the charge is 8d. It is alleged that the fees of barristers, solicitors, and others engaged in Parliamentary work are also on a higher scale. The Treasury, however, has no power in the matter.