§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLI bog to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it has been usual to hold competitive examinations for Second Division clerkships in the Civil Service in April and October; whether any such examination has been held since October last; and whether it is proposed to call upon candidates before October next?
§ * THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT,) OldhamOpen competitions for Second Division clerkships are not necessarily held at fixed intervals, but at such times as may be necessary, in order to meet the requirements of the Public Service. It is true that during the last three years such examinations have been held twice a year; but, on the other hand, no such open competition was held between August, 1887, and May, 1890. No examination has been held since October last; and having 92 regard to the present infrequency of vacancies, there is no immediate prospect of an examination being required.