HC Deb 06 January 1913 vol 46 cc819-20
24. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Secretary to the Treasury on what grounds the late first private secretary to Sir Robert Chalmers was recently promoted to be a first-class clerk, at a salary of £700 a year; if this individual entered the service in October, 1908, at a salary of £200 a year; if he is now only twenty-eight years of age; if he has passed over other higher division men in the office; if, before this promotion was made, the claims of his seniors in service were considered; and if it is the view of the heads of the Treasury that important administrative duties requiring experience can be adequately discharged by youths with only four years' experience in the public service?

Mr. MASTERMAN

On grounds of merit the gentleman in question, who took the first place in the open competition in 1908. was selected for promotion over the head of one of his seniors after consultation with the principal officers of the Department, in accordance with established practice, and after due consideration of other claims. I am satisfied that he is fully qualified to perform the duties of a first-class clerk, which, indeed, he had already been performing in an "acting" capacity for some nine months before his substantive promotion.

25. Sir CHARLES HENRY

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the increasing dissatisfaction of members of the Excise service on account of the fact that promotion in the service has been practically confined to members from the Customs service, and if he will direct his efforts that in dealing with appointments for Excise service they should be reserved as far as possible for members from that service?

Mr. MASTERMAN

There is no longer a separate Excise service. The promotions which have been made in the amalgamated Customs and Excise service follow on the recommendations of the Amalgamation Committee who took into consideration all the circumstances of the case. I may perhaps refer the hon. Member to a reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Blackburn on the 5th ultimo.

26. Sir C. HENRY

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will take into consideration that, in determining the scale of salary of members of the Excise service, due regard shall be given to the length of service as also to the manner the duties have been carried out; and if in the case of junior officers he will have the salaries based on the recommendation of the Hob-house Commission revised, in consequence of the increase in the cost of living?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I fear I cannot undertake to revise the scales of salary which have been so recently fixed for the amalgamated Customs and Excise service.

Sir C. HENRY

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive representations on the subject?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I shall be glad to have any representations that may be sent, but I cannot give any promise.