§ 15. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade what is now the salary on appointment of a Board of Trade nautical surveyor, what increments are given from time to time, and what is the retiring age and superannuation allowance?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)Nautical surveyors are appointed at a salary of £200, rising by annual increments of £10 to £300, and thence, subject to a certificate of efficiency, by £15 to £400. They are eligible for promotion to the rank of senior surveyor, with a salary of £420–20–£500, and of principal officer, with a salary of £600. Under the ordinary Civil Service rules any officer may be called upon to retire on reaching the age of sixty, and must retire at sixty-five. The retiring allowance varies with the length of service, and is calculated under the provisions of the Superannuation Acts.
§ 16. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the new scale of salary for surveyors in the nautical 230 engineering and shipwright classes applies only to men who have reached the second class and of over twelve years of service; whether no increase in the scale of pay introduced in 1876, applicable to surveyors in the third class and of from one to twelve years' service, has been granted; and, if so, whether in view of the general increase in the cost of living, he will grant some commensurate increase of pay in all classes, in order to secure the service of the best men for these posts?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe application of the new scale of salary is not limited in the way suggested in the first paragraph of the hon. Member's question. As regards surveyors in the former third class, the rate of salary is not increased, but they do not now, as before the 1st April, 1912, have to wait for vacancies before proceeding beyond £300 a year. As the scale has been altered so recently, I am doubtful whether it will be possible to make any further improvement at present, but representations in the matter have been received and will be considered.