HC Deb 14 July 1913 vol 55 cc891-2W
Mr. FIELD

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the number of assistant clerks in the Statistical Office, Customs and Excise, eligible by service for the £10 special increment; the average period these clerks have been on their maximum salary; and why it is proposed to withhold from those clerks who are eligible by efficiency and long service, as stated on the 25th October, 1909, the £10 special increment?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on the 17th ultimo. The average period that the fifteen men therein referred to have been at the maximum of their class is eight years and two months.

Mr. FIELD

also asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state how many of the assistant clerks in the Statistical Office, Customs and Excise, in receipt of £10 special increment were passed over for promotion to supervising assistant clerkships in August last; how many of those promoted to supervising assistant clerkships at that time were eligible for but not in receipt of the £10 special increment; whether the qualifications required for a £10 special increment are superior to those required for supervising assistant clerkships; and, if not, whether he can define the qualifications required for £10 special increments and for supervising assistant clerkships?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The answer to the first part of the question is six and to the second one. An assistant clerk may properly be granted a special increment, though he does not possess the qualifications required for a supervisory post.

Mr. FIELD

further asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state how many assistant clerks in the Customs Statistical Office were in possession of £10 special increment, granted for a degree of special merit, when the class of supervising assistant clerks was introduced to the Statistical Office in August last; how many of these clerks having special increments were promoted to supervising assistant clerks; and what are the qualifications for supervising assistant clerks, in view of the fact that several men having £10 special increment for special merit, efficiency, and long service, have been passed over for the post of supervising assistant clerk which is the grade next above in the Statistical Office?

Mr. MASTER MAN

The answer to the first part of the question is 6; to the second, none; in reply to the third part, I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave him on 26th ultimo.