Mr. DUNCANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the annual leave of the senior officers of the Customs and Excise has been reduced from 32 days to 16 days in 1916 and under a recent order to 24 days in 1917, whilst all other officers, obtain their full leave; and, if so, whether any compensation is to be made to these officers or whether the full leave is to be given?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe normal maximum period of leave for a senior officer of Customs and Excise is 24 days, exclusive of public holidays, as fixed by the Amalgamation Committee in 1911, but certain of the existing officers have been allowed to retain their former maximum of 32 days. Owing to the demands of the War the maximum period that could be allowed in 1916 was only 16 days, but for the current year it has been increased to 24 days wherever possible. All leave is subject to the requirements of the public service, and no question of compensation arises if the leave given falls short of the maximum.