§ Mr. GOLDSTONEasked the Secretary to the Treasury when a reply may be expected to the petition forwarded on 6th January, 1913, by the assistant clerks, new 1074W class, employed in the Statistical Office (Customs and Excise) to the Board of Customs and Excise; and the number of second division clerks appointed to the Secretaries' and Accountant and Comptroller-General's Departments, respectively, since 1st January, 1913?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe memorial in question has been acknowledged by the Board of Customs and Excise and its representations will not be overlooked. Two second division clerks have been appointed to the Secretaries' Office, and six to the Accountant-General's Office since 1st January last.
§ Mr. GOLDSTONEasked the Secretary to the Treasury the number of assistant clerks, new class, with checking allowances employed in the Statistical Office (Customs and Excise); the number employed in checking the particulars entered from specifications and bills into the prime registers; and, in view of the increased volume of trade during the past four years, whether any steps have been taken to increase the number of assistant clerks with checking allowances engaged in checking the particulars of trade and navigation in prime registers?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer to the first part of the question is twelve. The number of clerks engaged in checking in the different branches varies from day to day, and their numbers are always reconsidered in connection with any proposed increases in the ordinary staff of the office.