§ MR. O. V. MORGAN (Battersea)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether he adheres to his statement that the three copyists whose promotion to the Lower Division has been suspended—namely, Messrs. W. H. Brattle, R. F. Franklin, and T. Knighton—misstated their ages; and, if so, whether he is aware that the gentlemen in question state that they have never made any such mis-statement; and, whether, therefore, as the matter affects their honour and integrity, he will give them an opportunity to prove their assertion?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)I am much obliged to the hon. Member for putting this Question, because I have referred to my answer to the hon. Member's former Question, and I think it is open to misconstruction. I never intended to say that the copyists in question had mis-stated their age, nor did I say so. A Rule was laid down for the Sub-Committee, which dealt with the individual cases of copyists recommended for promotion, that those who were within the age for competition for the Lower Division in the ordinary way were not eligible for special promotion; and in recommending these men it must be obvious that there was mis-statement or mistake as to their age and eligibility; but I am far from imputing intentional mis-statement to anyone.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked, whether the hon. Gentleman had made himself acquainted with the nature of the work which Brattle had for eight years been engaged in?
§ MR. JACKSONI think the hon. Gentleman will see that it would not be possible—and that, if possible, it would be very unwise—for the Secretary to the Treasury to examine personally the work of individuals in the Departments. That matter has been referred to a Committee of the Department to deal with. Although I am most anxious to answer any Question upon any subject relating to my Department, I feel that these continued Questions with reference to individuals and their work is creating very great difficulty in the Civil Service. I hope that I shall not be understood in any way to shrink from giving the fullest and most complete information; but hon. Members must see how difficult it is for the Heads of Departments to carry on their respective Departments if individual grievances are to be made the subject of Questions in the House.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORWill the Secretary to the Treasury take steps to ascertain from the Heads of the Department if a certain man, who was employed at 10d. an hour, has for the last eight years been engaged on confidential work, relating to the advance of the Russians in Central Asia, and to important State secrets, which the Press, if they had been able to bribe him, would have been glad to get hold of?
§ MR. JACKSONI think, after what I have said, I must adhere to the position I have taken up, that it would be exceedingly improper, if not impossible, to examine into individual cases.