HC Deb 16 February 1894 vol 21 cc599-600
MR. W. ALLAN (Gateshead)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether any engineers have lately been appointed as engineer surveyors to the Board of Trade without possessing extra first-class certificates; and whether such appointments are in accordance with the qualifications decided on by the Board of Trade as being necessary for an engineer surveyor?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, Brightside

Eight engineer surveyors have been appointed by the Board of Trade during the last three years, and of this number six held extra first-class certificates. The Board of Trade Regulations do not make it a condition of appointment that a candidate must possess an extra certificate, but preference is given to an engineer who holds one. Before a final selection is made a competitive examination is held, and it is sometimes found that in this examination the highest places are not gained by men who have extra certificates.

MR. W. ALLAN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that some extra first-class certificated engineers entered into competition for appointments made lately; and whether it is not distinctly stated in the Regulations that due preference shall in all cases be given to engineers holding extra first-class certificates?

MR. MUNDELLA

Yes, Sir. I said that six out of the eight who have lately been appointed did hold extra first-class certificates, and to holders of extra first-class certificates preference is always given. But there are some cases in which those who hold only first-class certificates passed the better examination.

MR. WOLFF (Belfast, E.)

Is it not the fact that some holding first-class certificates were not allowed to compete?

MR. MUNDELLA

I am not aware of that, but if the hon. Gentleman will give me notice I will make inquiry.

MR. W. ALLAN

I shall do so.