Captain O'NEILLasked whether, according to the existing classification of Customs collectors, the thirty junior collectors would, in the ordinary course, unless debarred by age, advance in turn, and without further examination, to the highest grade of collector, on the occurrence of the necessary vacancies; and, whether in the classification fixed, or to he fixed, for the combined Customs and Excise service, steps have been, or will be, taken to ensure, so far as the junior Customs collectors are concerned, that their rank as collector shall be retained during any necessary period of redundancy; that they shall receive appointment to the vacancies, as they arise, in the new collector grade; and that, until their appointment to the new collector grade, they shall receive compensation for the retardation of their promotion?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHUnder the existing classification duly qualified junior Customs collectors are eligible for selection for promotion to higher collector-ships without examination. Pending the issue of the Report of the Customs and Excise Amalgamation Committee, I am unable to make any statement in regard to the points raised by the hon. and gallant Member.