§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the first-class examining officers of Customs have been reduced in status to the subordinate grade, notwithstanding the fact that their appeal against this unanticipated result is at present under consideration and the decision still pending; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI see no sufficient reason for departing from the recommendation 2536 of the Hobhouse Committee on the point referred to in the question. I do not think that the officers suffer any loss of dignity by the change.
§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether certain officers of Customs who failed to qualify for promotion during the last few years are, as a result of the recommendations of the Hobhouse Committee, receiving additions of salary which places them in a position financially superior to several of their seniors who have passed successfully a severe departmental examination lasting three days, including a practical test before superior officials; and whether he can make any inquiry into this matter with a view to its rectification?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI would refer the hon. Member to the reply just given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Warrington on this subject.