§ MR. CUBITTasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, When candidates for the Civil Service, who were examined in January last, and Gazetted on February 13th as having passed the first class preliminary examination, will be called upon to undergo their final examination?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI am very sorry, Sir, that I cannot state when they will be called up for final examination, because that examination can only be held when vacancies occur, and at present there are no vacancies. I am afraid considerable inconvenience, which I hope will not occur again, will be caused to the candidates, owing to the introduction of the new system. It is asserted that great defects in the education of the candidates for the higher class of appointments have been discovered. Out of about 180 candidates who came up, I think 120 were plucked in the elementary subjects of reading, orthography, and arithmetic. I hope there may be appointments soon, but they will be very few in number, and I cannot say with confidence when they may be. As soon as any appointments are to be made, early intimation will be given, and, of course, that will be as soon as possible.