§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, owing to a retirement on account of ill-health, a senior clerkship in the Statistical Office, Customs and Excise, is vacant; if so, how long the vacancy has existed; and when it is proposed to fill it, having regard to the fact that since 1915 vacancies of a similar character have been filled in other Departments of the Customs and Excise?
§ Mr. BALDWINA vacancy of senior clerk has existed in the Statistical Office since June, 1916. The post, in common with many other posts in the Department, has been filled by recalling to service a man who was on the Retired List. In these circumstances there is no necessity at present for filling the post by direct promotion.
§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that, as indicated in Customs and Excise General Order, 39/1917, temporary messengers, etc., are accorded a war bonus of 4s. weekly, while the actual payment made in London last Saturday is 3s. 6d., on the grounds that the 4s. was based on a seven days' weekly attendance; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. BALDWINI am informed that the men in question are certain temporary employés (extra men) engaged by the day and usually only casually employed, though at present many of them are regularly employed and paid weekly on the basis of a seven-day week. They have accordingly been granted a bonus of 7d. a day. I have given instructions that in future they shall receive a bonus of 8d. a day, subject to a maximum of 4s. a week.