§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked whether, as admitted by the Secretary to the Treasury in the Debate on the Estimates in June, 1908, paucity of promotions existed in the Customs Department; if vacancies at present occurring in the grades of first and second class examining officers were being filled by the transfer of Excise officials to the further detriment of deserving officers, whose period of waiting was already considerably in excess of the average; and whether, if such was the case, it was proposed to compensate officers so affected in any way?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThe action that has been taken by the Board of Customs and Excise is of the nature of a temporary 1189 expedient, pending full consideration of the whole question of amalgamation by the Departmental Committee which has been appointed by the Treasury. In the interests of public economy it is clear that, so long as there are redundant officers, employment must be found for them on duties suitable to their rank. Any other alternative would involve the addition of new entrants to the establishment, with a correspondingly increased charge on the Vote.
§ Mr. SNOWDENAre the Excise officers who have been transferred to fill vacancies in the grades of first and second class examining officers being paid their old salaries as Excise officers, or higher salaries adequate to the work they are now doing?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI ought to have notice of that question.