MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give his assent to the Return standing in the name of the hon. Member for West Perthshire? [Marquess of Tullibar-dine,—Public Departments (Additional Staff),—Return showing the number of additional appointments, established and non-established, created, whether in consequence of new legislation or not, since the 1st day of January, 1906, and still in existence, in each of the Public Departments, including the Port of London Authority, with the emoluments attached, showing the total sum involved, and stating whether the appointments have been made (a) without competition, or (b) after competition (open or limited).]
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTH (Lord of the Treasury)My right hon. Friend regrets that he does not see his way to grant this Return.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEIs the hon. Member aware that the Return I am asking for is different to the one granted to the hon. Member for Taunton? What I am asking for is a Return since the Liberal Government began retrenching in 1906?
§ Viscount HELMSLEYOn what grounds do the Government refuse this Return?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI understand the Noble Lord desires a Return of the appointments for the whole of the Civil Service?
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEI am asking for the entire increase since the present Government came into office. It is a matter of 8,000 as against 4,000.
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI understand that my right hon. Friend has already written to the Noble Lord.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYIs there any reason why the Government are not giving this Return and making it public?
§ Mr. JOHN WARDIs there any reason why the Return should not go back to 1896?