HC Deb 30 July 1914 vol 65 cc1561-2
65. Mr. GOLDSMITH

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how many Excise officers have been appointed to the surveying grade under the amalgamation scheme in the past two years?

Mr. MONTAGU

Fifteen have actually been appointed, and thirty-nine more have qualified, and are awaiting vacancies.

68 and 69. Mr. CHARLES DUNCAN

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Customs launchmen forwarded on the 11th June, 1913, a petition dealing with their grievances; whether a reply has been made; if not, what is the reason for the delay in the matter; and (2) whether he is aware that the Committee on the Customs Waterguard Service recommended, in their Report issued in May, 1912, improved pay and pension rights for Customs launchmen; whether those recommendations have been accepted; and, if so, from what date is it intended to put them into force?

Mr. MONTAGU

A decision on the recommendation of the Committee referred to has been unavoidably delayed, as I explained in answer to the gallant and hon. Baronet the Member for Central Hull on 6th May last, pending the consideration of certain other questions involved. I am now about to deal with the latter questions, and having done so, shall be in a position to decide on the recommendation of the Committee, and the petition referred to.

Mr. DUNCAN

May I ask whether consideration will be given owing to the delay as to the date for which any advance may be made?

Mr. MONTAGU

The question of the date at which any advance will be granted will be considered and the delay will be taken into account.