§ Mr. WILKIEasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the number of promotions from assistants of Customs to examining officer, and the number of promotions of assistants of Excise to second-class officers, since the first sitting of the amalgamation committee over which he presides, the average length of service of these assistants in each branch, the average salary being received by assistants of Customs of six complete years' service, and the average salary being received by Excise officers of a similar length of service?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe first sitting of the Committee for the purpose of taking evidence took place on 1st April, 1910.
| Number of promotions of assistant of Customs to examining officer, 2nd class, since 1st April, 1910 | 54 |
| Average length of service of those assistants at the time of promotion | 8½years |
| Salary of assistants of Customs of six complete years' service | £100 (exclusive of overtime pay; |
| Number of promotions of Assistants of Excise to officer, 2nd class, since 1st April, 1910 | 241 |
| Average length of service of those assistants at the time of promotion | 4ys.7ms. |
| Salary of officers of Excise of six complete years' service | £122 10s. |
§ Mr. WILKIEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the promotion of several Excise assistants to second-class officers at a time when assistants of Customs of longer service were employed on Excise duties, thereby rendering such promotions possible without materially increasing the staff, he will give an assurance that the seniority of Customs assistants will receive due consideration on the merging of the two staffs?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI regret to be unable to make any statement in anticipation of the issue of the Report of the Customs and Excise Amalgamation Committee.