§ Mr. CLAUDE HAYasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can give the terms of reference to the Committee which has been appointed, and of which he is chairman, to inquire into the conditions of the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Departments; and whether, in compliance with a request from the National Excise Federation, he will place upon that Committee a supervisor and officer of Excise to represent the officers who will be most nearly affected by the amalgamation?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe terms of reference are: To consider the conditions under which the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Departments, rendered necessary by the Finance Act, 1908, can best be carried out with regard to the particular classes of officers affected by such amalgamation. While there appears to be no sufficient reason for adding to the Committee, as suggested by the hon. Member, the officers affected by the amalgamation will be afforded every opportunity of giving evidence.