§ MR. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, as a result of the recent re-organisation of the Accountant General's Department of the Admiralty, 149 clerkships hitherto held by men successful in open competitive examinations, are in future to be filled by men who have passed no educational test whatever, and who are not even required to furnish a medical certificate as to physical fitness; and, if so, whether he will state the circumstances warranting such a departure from the principle of open competition embodied in Clause 2 of the Order in Council of the 4th June, 1870.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONA certain number of second division clerks will, as opportunity offers, be replaced by temporary clerical assistants. As this new class of clerks will not be on the establishment, no medical or educational examination is necessary, only those who prove efficient being retained. This system has been in operation in the Supply Departments of the Admiralty for some years, and no new principle is involved in extending it to the Accountant General's Department. No established clerks will be discharged in consequence of the re-organisation.