§ 57. Mr. RAFFANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the aggregate numbers of the persons employed under the Customs authorities, and what were their aggregate salaries at the beginning of January in each of the following years, 1914, 1921, and 1922; and what is the estimated increase in both personnel and annual salaries in consequence of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921?
Mr. YOUNGParticulars of the number of persons employed in the Customs and Excise Department at the beginning of January, 1914, are not available, but the numbers in August, 1914, were 10,802; in January, 1921, 12,625; and in January, 1922, 12,407. The aggregate annual salaries were £1,817,000 in January, 1914; £5,002,000 in January, 1921; and £4,379,000 in January, 1922. The two latter figures are inclusive of bonus. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me on the 20th February to a question by the hon. Member for Dunfermline.
§ Mr. RAFFANDoes the hon. Gentleman still say there is no increase whatever to the Chancellor of the Exchequer owing to the Safeguarding of Industries Act?
Mr. YOUNGThere has been no increase. Speaking from memory, there were seven temporary clerks. The duties falling under the Safeguarding of Industries Act were distributed amongst the general staff of the Customs.