§ Mr. WATT (Glasgow, College)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Glasgow Herald and other papers throughout the country, of 27th July last, contained an advertisement for an assistant inspector in the Army Clothing Department, Grosvenor Road; that there were 250 applicants for that position; that on 22nd of October these 250 applications had not been dealt with; whether an appointment has yet been made, and, if so, at what date; and if he will ensure that in future Appointments such delays are avoided.
§ Mr. HALDANEIn July an advertisement inviting application for this post was duly inserted in various newspapers. From a large number of candidates a few i were selected and interviewed by the Departmental authorities. The two first selected proved medically unfit, and some delay was thereby involved. On the 31st October Mr. Fitton was appointed on probation, but on the 19th December he resigned his appointment. On the 28th January Mr. West was appointed, and he joined for duty on the 20th February. I do not think that under the circumstances there was any unavoidable delay.