HC Deb 04 July 1910 vol 18 cc1329-30
Mr. NANNETTI

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Departmental Committee to inquire into the grievances of the employés of the Ordnance Survey had yet been appointed; if so, could he give the names of the Committee to the House; whether any representative of the Irish members of the Service had been appointed or was intended to be appointed; and whether he could give the terms of reference to the said Committee governing the inquiry?

Sir E. STRACHEY

Yes, Sir. A Departmental Committee was appointed on the 18th instant, to inquire into the pay and classification of the Civil assistants, temporary Civil assistants, and labourers employed on the Ordnance Survey, and to report whether, having regard to the conditions of their employment and to the rates current in analogous occupations their remuneration is adequate. Sir Walter Foster is chairman, and the other members of the Committee are the hon. Member for West Renfrewshire (Mr. G. D. Kelly), Mr. F. Newman Rogers, and Mr. G. L. Barstow. It will be observed that no one serving on the Survey in any capacity has been appointed on the Committee, but evidence will, of course, 'be received from representatives of the various grades of the Service.

Mr. NANNETTI

Who is to be Secretary of the Committee?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I have not the name with me.

Mr. NANNETTI

Is it a fact that Colonel Hedley, who was already in the Service, has been appointed to the Committee, and that many matters connected with his own administration will have to be inquired into? Will the hon. Baronet see that this is an impartial Committee?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I do not think the hon. Member is right in saying that Colonel Hedley's conduct ought to be inquired into. I will inquire who is Secretary. Of course, it will be an impartial Committee.

Mr. NANNETTI

Will the inquiry be public? Will the evidence be available to Members of the House before the Report is published?

Sir E. STRACHEY

As far as I am aware, it will be like any other Departmental Committee.

Mr. NANNETTI

Will the Minutes of Evidence be published, so that the House can form an opinion as to the merits of the Report?

Sir E. STRACHEY

As far as I am aware, it will be like any other Departmental Committee; but I will inquire and let the hon. Member know.

Mr. CLANCY

As the Irish section of this Service amounts to about 40 per cent, of the whole in point of numbers, does not the hon. Baronet think it would be right to have an Irish representative on the Committee?

Sir E. STRACHEY

We will consider the matter.