Mr. PRIMROSEasked whether the officials employed in the compilation of the Census receive the same remuneration in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland?
Mr. PRIMROSE alsoasked whether the officials employed in collecting the Census of Scotland receive the same remuneration as those in England?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his similar question on Thursday last on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that, in connection with the forthcoming Census, the enumerators' receipt form contains a notice to the effect that they may have to wait for payment of their remuneration until the end of May; and whether he will consider the possibility of expediting checking of their claims, more especially as the work has to be finished by 4th April, and many of those engaged will be in need of the money earned?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEFull notice of the date of payment is given to the enumerators in their instructions and the form of Agreement which they sign. Considering the fact that they are about 35,000 in number, and that each claim must be examined and certified by the Registrar and Superintendent Registrar concerned after comparison with the population enumerated I do not think that the interval is excessive; but every effort will be made by the Registrar-General to secure payment at the earliest possible date.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYDoes that mean that these enumerators may have to wait five weeks after they have completed their work before they will get their remuneration? If there is any shortage of assistance, I could send the right hon. Gentleman half a dozen clerks.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe hon. Gentleman's suggestion is so valuable that I will take it into consideration.
Mr. KINGWould it be possible to pay these gentlemen something on account, and settle the matter afterwards?