§ MR. FIELDTo ask the Secretary to the Treasury, whether Second Division clerks who entered the Exchequer and Audit Department, prior to its reorganisation in 1906, generally scored high marks in book-keeping at the various examinations in which they were successful; whether book-keeping is now included in the competitive part of the examination for new entrants, and, if not, will he explain why.
(Answered by Mr. Runciman.) The appointment of Second Division clerks to the Exchequer and Audit Department did not depend upon their proficiency in book-keeping, which was an optional subject. The new scheme of examination for the Exchequer and Audit Department which applies also to certain appointments under the War Office and Admiralty, has been framed, after conference with eminent head masters representing various types of higher grade schools, to attract able youths who have been educated in public schools, grammar schools, or other higher grade schools up to the age of eighteen or nineteen. Book-keeping is not included among the subjects, because book-keeping does not form part of the ordinary curriculum of many of the schools in question. Candidates are, however, required to pass in arithmetic; and it is provided that no candidate shall be confirmed in his appointment unless he has, during the probationary period, satisfied the Comptroller and Auditor-General that he has gained a sufficient knowledge of book-keeping by single and double entry.