§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield Central)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if directions can be issued to the Post Office and other Government Departments that the Volunteers who abandoned their situations in order to take part in the South African campaign are to be regarded as soldier candidates for such posts as may be available, so as to prevent their services in the field being allowed to permanently affect their civil prospects.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.Volunteers can reckon equally with regular soldiers all time spent on active service in deduction from their actual age, for the purpose of appointment to situations in the Civil Service.
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if, having regard to the fact that the officers of Yeomanry and Volunteers taking part in the war have been accorded permanent status in the regular army, he will give instructions that non-commissioned officers and privates in those services, many of whom gave up good permanent 822 situations to serve their country in South Africa, are to be regarded as soldier candidates for Post Office and Civil Service employment.
LORD STANLEYMy hon. and gallant friend is evidently unaware that this is already provided for by paragraph 4 (ii.) of the general regulations respecting open competitive examination for appointments in the Civil Service.