HC Deb 20 March 1891 vol 351 cc1533-4
MR. KELLY

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the following advertisement, which appeared in the Times of 3rd January last, had reference to a post in the office of the Inspector General of Bankruptcy:— To Accountants.—Wanted an experienced accountant, with knowledge of Company and Bankruptcy Liquidation. Salary from £200 to £300 per annum; and whether such a system of bringing persons into the Civil Service, without any examination being held or inquiries made by the Civil Service Commissioners, is contrary to the principles of open competition established by Order in Council of June, 1870, and also to the recommendations contained in paragraph 46 of the Second Report of the Royal Commission on Civil Establishments, which was adopted by the Treasury in paragraph 36 of the Treasury Minute of 10th August, 1889, whereby it is provided that such staff posts as those of accountantships shall be reserved for the best clerks of the Second Division?

MR. JACKSON

I am not aware of any such advertisement as that referred to. Persons engaged by the Inspector General of Bankruptcy are employed and paid by him out of a lump sum supplied to him for the expenses of his office. They are not in the Civil Service.

MR. KELLY

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?

MR. JACKSON

No, Sir; I do not think it is part of my duty to inquire.