HC Deb 23 February 1911 vol 21 cc2083-5
Mr. SYKES (on behalf of Mr. Tobln)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the clerks in the offices of sur- veyors of taxes are grouped in different classes; and whether promotion of a clerk to a higher class means not only increased official responsibility, but also, in the case of his being transferred from a country to a London district, increased personal expenditure; whether a clerk promoted to a higher class is for a time paid the same salary that he received while in the lower class; and whether he will take any, and what steps to avoid the overlapping of the minimum wages of the higher class and the maximum wages of the lower class?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, promotion to a higher class as a rule means a higher scale of salary with a higher maximum and with pension rights in the case of clerks promoted to the two higher classes. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend does not propose to alter the existing scales.

Mr. SYKES (on behalf of Mr. Tobin)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether two-thirds, or thereabouts, of the clerks to the surveyors of taxes are not upon the establishment of His Majesty's Civil Service but are in the direct service of the Board of Inland Revenue upon agreements terminable by a notice of one week only; and whether, having regard to the confidential and responsible nature of their duties, and to the fact that the system of employment in the offices of surveyors of taxes of clerks who are subject to dismissal at one week's notice has been condemned by the London Chamber of Commerce and other public bodies, and also by the surveyors of taxes themselves, he will take any, and what, steps in the matter?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I do not consider it advisable at the present time to take any action in the direction indicated by the hon. Member.

Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he had received a copy of a memorial from the clerks to surveyors of taxes requesting consideration of their conditions of service; and, if so, whether a statement could not be made on the various points contained in the memorial, and of which consideration was promised to a deputation of the clerks who laid their case before him in July, 1908?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Baronet the Member for Hawick Burghs on Monday last.

Mr. O'GRADY

May I ask whether these clerks may be expected to be put in the position of other officials of the Inland Revenue?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am afraid I must ask for notice of that question.