§ MR. THORNTON (Clapham)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the duty of preparing the Board of Trade Returns in the Statistical Department of the Custom House devolves mainly upon assistant clerks; and, if so, whether he is disposed to grant to such officers of this class as may be considered worthy of promotion to higher posts, facilities equal to those enjoyed by clerks of the same grade serving in other Government offices.
(Answered by Mr. Kearley.) The duty of preparing the Board of Trade Returns in the Statistical Department of the Custom House devolves mainly upon assistant clerks, so far as the routine work is concerned, but their work is supervised at every stage by officers of higher rank. A memorial from the tabulator section of the assistant clerks is now under the consideration of the Treasury. No decision has yet been come to, but I must not be taken to admit that the advantages enjoyed by the assistant clerks in the Statistical Department are inferior to those of the same grade in the service generally.