HC Deb 01 March 1910 vol 14 cc748-9
Mr. FRANCE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if any complaints have reached the Treasury from Inland Revenue officers now acting as pension officers with regard to the increase in their work without regular increase in remuneration?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)

The introduction of Old Age Pensions threw a considerable amount of new work upon Excise Officials, and complaints on the subject have from time to time come before the Treasury. Many of the causes of complaint have been remedied, and others are still engaging the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and myself and our advisers. As the hon. Member is possibly aware, a Committee, under my Chairmanship, will shortly inquire into the conditions of service of those Officers of Excise and Customs who are affected by the recent amalgamation of the two Departments.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the removal of the pauper disqualification will add at least 30 per cent. to the cost?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

It is quite impossible to make any calculation until we find out through the agency of this Committee what the amount of the work is.