HC Deb 11 November 1912 vol 43 cc1707-8
25. Mr. CHARLES DUNCAN

asked what is the number of surveyors of Customs and Excise in the Port of London on 28th October, 1912; how many of these have been approved and appointed as inspectors of tea under Section 30 of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875; and how many were employed upon this duty on that date?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The number of surveyors in the Port of London on 28th October, 1912, was thirty-six, and the number approved and appointed as inspectors of tea was seventeen. Some ten of these surveyors were employed on the date in question in districts where the duty of inspecting tea ordinarily occurs, but I cannot say whether all of them actually had occasion to inspect tea on that date.

26. Mr. C. DUNCAN

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the practice amongst all recognised fair employers of labour to permit of personal representations being made by their employés before altering their conditions of remuneration, he will consider the advisability of receiving a deputation from the tea inspectors in the Customs Department in order to enable them to state their case against the abolition of their special remuneration for special duties imposed under Section 30 of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not think any useful purpose would be served by receiving a deputation on this subject.

28. Mr. C. DUNCAN

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that only inspectors of tea specially appointed under Section 30 of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875, and approved by the Treasury, can perform the duty of tea inspection; whether it is proposed to continue appointing such inspectors in the future; and whether, seeing that these special duties have hitherto carried a salary of £30 per annum, he will explain why these expert duties are to be imposed without specific remuneration; and whether it is the custom to abolish long-standing allowances in such a manner?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am aware that inspectors of tea are appointed as such under Section 30 of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875. Such appointments will continue to be made as a matter of course. As to the reason for abolishing the old extra allowances of £30, I must refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 28th ultimo.