HC Deb 10 March 1915 vol 70 cc1412-3
31. Mr. THOMAS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any grant has been made to the legal representatives of Mr. C. F. Wood, late clerk to the surveyor of taxes, Wigan district, and, if so, the amount thereof; and whether the amount is less than that which would have been granted had the deceased clerk been placed on the establishment under the terms of the Treasury scheme of July, 1914, relative to clerks to surveyors of taxes?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

No grant has been made to the legal personal representatives of the late Mr. Wood, as at the date of his death he was still in an un-established capacity and had not served long enough in that capacity to qualify for a gratuity.

32. Mr. WILKIE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many clerks in the tax-surveying branch in the scales £200 to £300 and £85 to £180, respectively, will be due to retire in the next ten years, and how many of the latter scale, provided the efficiency bar is passed, will have reached their maximum pay in the same period?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Six clerks on each of the scales £200—£300 and £200—£250, and twenty-six on the scale £85—£180 will have attained the age of sixty before the conclusion of the next ten years, but they will not be required to retire at that age provided their efficiency remains unimpaired. It is possible for about 270 clerks on the scale £85—£180 to reach the maximum of the scale within the period mentioned.

33. Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a number of clerks who entered the tax-surveying branch subsequent to 28th July, 1909, and consequently have to pass a literary examination, are now with His Majesty's Forces; and whether, under these exceptional circumstances, the Treasury would consider the desirability of placing such clerks forthwith on the establishment?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am aware of the fact referred to by my hon. Friend. A literary examination cannot be altogether dispensed with in the case of clerks now serving with His Majesty's Forces, but opportunities will be afforded to them on their return to civil duty to qualify for establishment under conditions laid down by the Treasury.