HC Deb 31 July 1911 vol 29 cc7-8
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, pending the issue of the Report of the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Departments, instructions have been issued to the Board of Customs and Excise to proceed with all necessary appointments and promotions of assistants in the Customs Service on the lines of the existing classification; have the collectors and inspectors in charge of ports recommended certain increases to the staffs; have the Board made these increases; and, if not, for what reasons?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Pending amalgamation, promotions are being made in the line of the existing classification, but assistants appointed since 1st April, 1909, are liable to serve on either the Customs or the Excise side of the Department as required. Proposals in regard to staff reach the Board from time to time, and are considered on their merits.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that owing to the delay on the part of the Committee arranging the details of the amalgamation—a Committee of which the right hon. Gentleman is I believe the chairman, promotion in the Customs is at a standstill, and many junior men are performing duties of seniors?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I do not see how that arises out of the question. If the Noble Lord will put a question on the Paper I shall be very glad to answer it.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked whether since the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Services the entire Customs Department has been controlled by a chief inspector and an assistant inspector, both of exclusive Excise training; and will instructions be issued to ensure that in all purely Customs affairs the interests of the Revenue and the officers will be protected by receiving the attention and supervision of Customs-trained men of adequate experience?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I am informed that the officers named formerly belonged to the Excise side of the Department, but control is vested in the Board who are advised by officers with adequate knowledge and experience of the circumstances and work of both branches.