Clerks of the Bills 1782-1854

Clerks of the Bills 1782-1854

Originally no special arrangements were made for dealing with the business arising from the Treasury bills of exchange. (fn. 1) Between 1782 and 1805, however, it was entrusted to particular Clerks who received on this account allowances in addition to their ordinary remuneration. During this period the number of these Clerks, who were usually Extra Clerks, was two except for the years 1796 to 1798 when it rose to three. In 1783 the allowances were fixed at £30 and £20 a year. (fn. 2) In 1794 they were raised to £60 and £40. (fn. 3) In 1796, on the appointment of a third Clerk, they were fixed at £100, £60 and £40. (fn. 4) In 1798 the clerkship to which the £60 allowance was attached was discontinued.

In 1805 the bill department was recognised as a distinct subdivision of the Treasury. Provision was made for a Senior and an Assistant Clerk of the Bills who were specifically denied the right of promotion to higher posts in the Treasury. (fn. 5) In 1835 the responsibilities were extended to include the functions formerly carried out by the Receiver of Fees. (fn. 6) In 1854 the department was transferred to the office of the Paymaster General. (fn. 7)

In 1805 the salaries of the Senior and Assistant Clerks were fixed at £250 and £120. (fn. 8) In 1808 progressive scales were introduced, the Senior Clerk beginning at £300 and rising after fifteen years to £400 and the Junior beginning at £150 and rising after ten years to £200. (fn. 9) In 1812 the salaries were linked to those applicable to the grades of Assistant and Junior Clerk on the establishment. (fn. 10) Following the transfer of the duties of the Receiver of Fees in 1835 Rumsey was granted an additional allowance of £200 on that account. (fn. 11)

LISTS OF APPOINTMENTS

Clerks

Senior Clerk

Assistant Clerk