HC Deb 01 June 1911 vol 26 cc1216-7
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the information recently supplied to him concerning the overtime worked by the preventive men of His Majesty's Customs at Cardiff is incorrect; and whether he will cause an independent inquiry to be made into the matter, which is causing dissatisfaction among the officers?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I assume that the hon. Member refers to my answer to his question on this subject on the 16th ultimo; the Board of Customs and Excise inform me that the answer I then gave was quite accurate. If, however, the hon. Member will state in what particular he considers it to have been incorrect, I will make further inquiry.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

The suggestion made in the question is that independent inquiry should be made, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the officers of these men are not anxious to make complaints?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have already pointed out that the impression conveyed by the hon. Member is not correct. If he will point out in what particulars he thinks the information is incorrect, I will make inquiries.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that I have already, in a former question, stated the cause of complaint? Apparently no inquiry has been made.

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have made inquiries, and as far as my information goes the hon. Member is not accurate.