§ 51. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of Government employés who have lost their occupations in consequence of the abolition of the Tea Duty; and what steps are being taken to provide alternative employment for them?
Mr. SAMUELThe question of the reductions and re-arrangements of the staff of the Customs and Excise Department which may be necessary as the result of the Budget changes is under consideration. The hon. Member may rest assured that every effort will be made to provide for the men displaced by absorption into vacancies caused by ordinary wastage in the Department or by transfer to other Departments.
§ Mr. MORRISONWill the hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question as to the number of employés concerned?
Mr. SAMUELUp to the present no one has been either discharged or transferred, so the point has not arisen.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe have only got to Question No. 51, and this is one of the slowest days I have ever known.