§ MR. ROWLANDS (Kent, Dartford)I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President
§ MR. HOBHOUSEThe Civil Service Commissioners can hold examinations only for the purpose of filling existing vacancies in the Civil Service or vacancies estimated to arise within the ensuing six months, and their function is to frame such schemes, and to hold such examinations as meet the requirements of the Departments concerned. When administrative changes in the public service, not initiated by the Commissioners, have the effect of reducing the staff employed in any class, and thus of suspending for a time the occurrence of vacancies in that class, it is often impossible for the Civil Service Commissioners to give long notice to intending candidates, but notice is always given on these occasions at the earliest possible date.