§ Sir CARNE RASCH (Essex, Chelmsford)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether, the Government having frequently stated that officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates are to be employed whenever practicable, and that it is advisable to find employment, if possible, for ex-soldiers, he will consider whether this could be done at the Out-Pension Office of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, where at the present time some thirty-five War Office civilian clerks are employed on purely military work, two of whom have been given quarters in the Royal Hospital, which was founded absolutely for the sole benefit of officers and soldiers who have deserved well of their country.
§ (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The number of clerks employed at Chelsea Hospital is twenty-seven, of whom three are boys, and the others are nine civilians and fifteen ex-soldiers. The posts held by the civilians are filled through Civil Service competitive examinations, which are open to ex-soldiers; those held by the ex-soldiers are filled without resort to competitive examination. The assistant secretary and one senior clerk occupy unfurnished quarters, which have always been assigned to these officials, as their duties require them to live on the premises.