§ MR. P. M'DONALD (Sligo, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Why the examination of candidates for Civil Service appointments, which was fixed for January last, 1237 has not yet been held; whether, in consequence of the postponement of such examination, candidates nearing the superior limit of age will, if that limit is exceeded, be disqualified, and thereby deprived of the chance of entering the Public Service; and, whether the date of the next examination is yet fixed; and, if so, for what date?
THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON)(who replied) (Leeds, N.)said: If the hon. Member refers, as appears to be the case, to examinations for Lower Division clerkships, I have to say that no such examination was fixed for January last, and none was held, because it was found that none was required. No date has been fixed for the next examination, which must depend on the number of vacancies which arise, and also whether the vacancies can be filled by transfer from any Department where the staff may be in excess of the requirements.