55. Captain O'NEILLasked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to appoint a Committee to inquire into all matters connected with the amalgamation of the customs and excise services, especially with regard to its effect upon the status and salaries of officers, surveyors, and other officials?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe terms of amalgamation were exhaustively considered by a Committee appointed in March 1900, which reported in August, 1911. Subsequently my right hon. Friend' the Chancellor of the Exchequer received deputations from the officers concerned, and after the fullest consideration, sanctioned in May, 1912, substantial modifications of the proposals of the Committee. Having regard to the liberal nature of those concessions, and to the short interval which has elapsed, my right hon. Friend sees no reason to justify the inquiry now suggested.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor on the Whitsuntide adjournment of last year and subsequently the Chancellor of the Exchequer promised that further consideration should be given to special grievances which have since arisen, and that absolutely nothing whatever has been done?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI was not aware of the fact, but I will convey the allegation of the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MONTAGUWith the greatest of pleasure.