HC Deb 18 August 1909 vol 9 cc1374-5
Mr. GORDON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a resolution from the Association of Surveyors of Taxes stating that they view with alarm the statement that the present staff will be sufficient for all the Budget proposals except those relating to the Land Taxes; and what steps he intends to take for providing a sufficient staff?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have nothing to add to my reply of the 19th ultimo to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for East Down.

Mr. GORDON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in cases of deaths of surveyors of taxes caused by overwork due to the failure of the Treasury to provide a sufficient staff, the Treasury is prepared to make provision for the dependants of those whose death is so caused; and whether his attention has been called to complaints on account of the refusal of the Treasury to make such provision, and particularly in the case of the deaths of Mr. Kerr and Mr. Stewart in 1907?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the cases in question. No grant can be made to the widow and children of a Civil servant unless the husband's death was due to injury sustained in the discharge of his duty within the meaning of Section 1 of the Superannuation Act of 1887, and each case has to be considered separately with reference to the terms of this section.

Mr. GORDON

Am I to understand that if a man dies at his post from overwork his family is to receive no compensation?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The overwork has to be proved.

Mr. GORDON

If it is proved, will the Treasury give compensation?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I think there is no difficulty in a case of that sort.