§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state in what Departments during the last ten years it has been found practicable to replace first division clerks by the employment of second division clerks, in accordance with the terms of paragraph 52 of the Treasury Minute of 10th August, 1889?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)It would not be possible to state in what Departments it has been found practicable to replace first division clerks by second division clerks in the past ten years without an exhaustive examination of Departmental records during that time. The Treasury loses no opportunity of urging the reduction in the cost of Civil establishments by this or any other practicable method.
§ Mr. O'GRADYasked if the hon. Gentleman will state what Departments have applied, both officially and semi-officially, during the last five years for sanction of an establishment consisting of one or more first division clerks; and what applications have been refused or withdrawn?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAs far as I am aware, the only Departments which have applied in the last five years officially for a first division establishment are the Customs (Secretary's office) and the English Insurance Commission. These applications were acceded to. I am unable to make any statement as to unofficial applications.