§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the remarks of the Secretary to the Civil Service Commission at the Boy Clerks' Friendly Society's meeting, held on 12th December, 1907, in which he deplored the policy of employing boy clerks on a large scale; and in view of the remarks of this official, can he say why large numbers are still being employed, of whom only a small proportion can gain permanent employment.
(Answered by Mr. Runciman.) The remarks of the Secretary to the Civil Service Commission at the meeting in question had no official or authoritative character, and expressed no more than his personal opinion. The question of reducing the number of boy clerks is under consideration, but no decision has yet been arrived at.