HC Deb 09 September 1909 vol 10 cc1484-5
Mr. LEHMANN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet able to state the method by which the persons to be appointed to do the work of the Labour Exchanges will be selected?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I propose to make the principal appointments myself. With the exception, however, of this comparatively small class of posts, which is not too numerous for me to deal with personally, I have decided to refer all other substantial appointments required to be made at the outset to a small independent Committee of Selection. This Committee will consist of three members, one of whom will be a leading employer, one a representative of labour, and the third, who will act as chairman, one of the Civil Service Commissioners. It may, perhaps, be convenient at a later stage to add a woman member when considering women's appointments. Mr. Stanley Leathes and the hon. Member for Clitheroe have already very kindly consented to serve, and I hope to announce the name of the employer member shortly. I have not yet received a reply to my letter.

Mr. WATT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of his Department to give all the superior appointments under the Labour Exchanges Act to men who are already in the service of the Board of Trade; and whether, in that case, it is useless for those who have not that qualification to send in applications for these positions?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, Sir; I shall be willing to consider myself, or refer to the Committee of Selection, the claims of any leally good candidates.