§ MR. HEYWOOD JOHNSTONE (Sussex, Horsham)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury who has the appointment and dismissal of clerks (other than assistant surveyors) employed in the offices of the surveyors of taxes, and if any standard of qualification is required, or any examination has to be passed by them; and whether these men, who in the ordinary course of their duties become possessed of information of a confidential and private nature, are employed under an agreement terminable at a week's notice at wages varying from 8s. to £2 a; week, and without any claim to a pension or to allowance in case of prolonged illness?
§ MR. HANBURYThe clerks in the offices of the surveyors of taxes are appointed and dismissed by the surveyors themselves. They are not required to pass any examination in order to qualify for the employment. It is a fact that these clerks are liable to dismissal at a week's notice. The large majority of them are in receipt of wages varying from £1 to £2 10s. a week, but 16 receive less than 10s. They are not entitled to pension or sick pay.