§ Sir JAMES YOXALLasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the clerks employed in the Land Valuation Department are not at present receiving standard rates of pay; what prospects of permanent employment are there for these clerks, whether prior to or subsequent to a Bill for the setting up of a Ministry of Lands becoming law; if the procedure for obtaining permanent service is for a temporary clerk to be recommended by his superior officer, and that then, after a necessarily severe examination has been passed, a permanent situation at a salary of from £45 to £50 per annum is obtainable; and whether he proposes to take any action to improve the position of these officials?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe pay of the temporary clerks in the Valuation Office cannot be fixed on any uniform basis under the varying conditions which must continue to exist pending completion of the original valuation. It is, however, sought as far as possible to reward cases of merit, and a number of clerks recommended by their superior officers are from time to time being transferred to the permanent staff, after a suitable examination, at salaries ranging from £45 to £150 per annum. I am not able at present to make any statement as regards future conditions of work in this office.