HC Deb 31 March 1926 vol 193 cc2039-40
78. Mr. Colonel APPLIN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, seeing that temporary clerks who, as the alternative to dismissal, are offered another appointment which involves a transfer to another town are obliged to pay, out of their own pockets, the expenses of their removal to the new town, and in view of the low wages these officers receive, he can see his way to meet this charge upon them?

Mr. McNEILL

As an exceptional arrangement, a contribution towards travelling expenses may be made to temporary clerks who are transferred with their work from one town to another. It is a general rule of the Civil Service not to allow removal expenses where the transfer is made in the interests of the officer concerned, and I should not feel justified in relaxing this rule in the case of temporary clerks who are not transferred with their work, but, as an alternative to the termination of their em- for 1925 in the United States, Germany and Great Britain?

Mr. McNEILL

I do not understand what percentage my hon. Friend desires, but as regards the annual charges, I will, with his permission, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

ployment, are offered another appointment in another town.

Sir F. HALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that civil employers in transferring their servants bear a proportion of the removal expenses? Could not the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter, having regard to the low wages which these people receive, and do something, so that they may receive a proportion of their removal expenses?

Mr. McNEILL

I have no knowledge of the facts mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member.

Sir F. HALL

May I tell my right hon. Friend that in the Ordinary course of events that is done?