§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary to the Treasury what are the salaries paid to the chairman, respectively, of the Scottish, Irish, and Welsh Insurance Commissioners; what is the reason that the Scotch Commissioner is paid more than either of the other two; and whether it is the practice of his Department to pay salaries in excess of those paid in similar posts without first inquiring the salary previously enjoyed by the appointee?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe salaries paid to the Chairman of the Scottish, Irish, and Welsh Commissions are £1,800 a year, £1,500 a year, and £1,500 a year, respectively; the salary of the Chairman of the Scottish Commission was fixed at £1,800 a year because it was held that the duties of the post justified the payment of that amount. The salary is attached to the office, and not to the officer holding it, and any inquiry as to the previous income of any such officers would be entirely irrelevant.
§ Mr. WATTDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that £300 has been lost to the taxpayers by an error on the part of the Department?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo, I cannot say I think that. It was lost to the taxpayer because it was considered that substantial emoluments were required to persuade Scottish gentlemen to apply.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEIs this extra £300 the wage of ability?
§ Mr. HODGEIn regard to the Chairman of the Scottish Commission, is it not the fact that in order to secure the services of the gentleman who holds the position—a very able gentleman—the Treasury had to give this additional sum?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo, I do not think so. The salary was fixed apart from the individual who receives it.