HC Deb 14 February 1911 vol 21 cc861-2
Mr. HOHLER

asked whether temporary surveyors' clerks (first class) are now employed at Colchester, Woolwich, Dover, Chatham, Shoeburyness, and Sheerness; whether it was intended to replace them by clerks (second class); and whether the duties to be performed by the clerks (second class) would be precisely similar to those now performed by the clerks (first class)?

Mr. HALDANE

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, the answer is in the negative.

Mr. HOHLER

also asked the Secretary for War whether he was aware that the temporary surveyors' clerks (first class) originally entered the service upon the terms of Pay Warrant Article 402; whether notice terminating their employment had been given to nearly all, or to how many, clerks (first class), and what was the average length of their service in such position; whether such clerks had been offered the position of clerks (second class) with a reduced pay not to exceed 7s. 6d. a day in lieu of the 10s. or higher pay per day they are now receiving; and whether, having regard to their length of service and the condiditions of the pay warrant under which they entered the service, he would continue to employ the clerks (first class) now serving at the same rate of pay as they at present enjoy?

Mr. HALDANE

Notice was given in October last to terminate the service of twenty-two of these clerks at the end of March, in consequence of administrative changes which have reduced the importance of the work to be done to that of the second class. I trust that the hon. Member will not press me to retain these men indefinitely at rates of pay which their work will no longer justify.

Mr. HOHLER

May I press for an answer to the last part of my question, whether, having regard to their length of service and the conditions of the pay warrant under which they entered the service, he will continue to employ the clerks (first class) now serving at the same rate of pay as they at present enjoy?

Mr. HALDANE

No, these officers are not on the establishment, and have no contract rights. They might be employed by private firms on the same footing, and consequently we should not be justified in continuing their employment.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Are these clerks temporary clerks?

Mr. HALDANE

They are in the sense-that clerks who are employed by private firms are temporary clerks.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Have not some of them been employed for ten to fifteen years?

Mr. HALDANE

I cannot say without inquiring into the matter.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Are not higher rates paid by private firms?

Mr. SPEAKER

I would point out that there are a large number of questions on the Paper.