HC Deb 13 March 1911 vol 22 cc1871-2
Mr. MALCOLM

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the case of Mr. J. Carroll, late clerk to the surveyor of taxes at Lewisham, and now an inmate of Bexley Heath Asylum; whether he will state why Mr. Carroll was not granted the full period of six months' sick leave at full pay, and six months at half pay, allowable under the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910; whether he will inform the House why payment of a portion of Mr. Carroll's sick pay was deferred for several months; and whether, in view of the straightened circumstances of his dependents, he proposes to make them any allowance or compensation?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

My attention has been called to the case referred to, and I may explain that sick leave (where there is a prospect of recovery) is granted to clerks to surveyors of taxes in accordance with Regulations laid down by the Treasury. The balance (£3 12s. 3d.) of sick pay thus payable to Mr. Carroll was duly paid to his wife when she established her claim to receive it on his behalf. I will consider whether anything can properly be done in the direction indicated in the concluding words of the hon. Member's question.

Mr. SNOWDEN

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will state the number of clerks to surveyors of taxes who have resigned or been discharged on the ground of age since 1890; the number of years' service rendered by each; the amount of the allowance, gratuity, or superannuation given to each; and how such allowances, gratuities, or superannuation were computed?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

Since 1908, when clerks to surveyors of taxes were placed in the direct employment of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, five have resigned on the ground of age, after an average service of twenty-two years. The average gratuity awarded to them amounted to £33 2s. 9d These awards are calculated at the rate of three-quarters of a week's pay for each year served subject to a maximum of four months' pay.

Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether he will state the number of clerks to surveyors of taxes whose retirements on account of age or for other known reasons are due within the next ten years?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

The number of clerks to surveyors of taxes who are normally due to retire within the next ten years is twenty-one.