§ Mr. HUGH LAWasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he was aware that clerks in the offices of Excise collectors of Customs and Excise have had much additional work thrown on them as a result of the operation of the licensing clauses of the Budget and that the pressure will be considerably increased in the near future; and would he see that these clerks are paid for all attendance over a fair working day at the same rates of overtime as clerks in other departments of the Civil Service?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)I am aware that additional work is thrown on Excise collectors' offices by the licensing clauses of the Finance (1909–1910) Act, 1910, and the Board of Customs and Excise inform me that steps have been taken and will continue to be taken to supply help to those offices where the pressure of work appears to justify it. It has not hitherto-been the custom to pay overtime to the Excise clerical staff.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPECould the right hon. Gentleman not see his way to increasing the staff in certain towns where the pressure has been very great?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEYes, I should be very willing to consider that.