§ Mr. WILLIAM PEELasked whether the staff of the Labour Exchanges has been filled by patronage or by open competition; and whether there are a number of redundant clerks available who, having passed the Civil Service examination, would be better qualified to deal with the work of a new Government Department than persons appointed merely through patronage?
Mr. BUXTONWhen the Labour Exchange Act came into force it was necessary, in view of the special nature of the duties to be performed, to obtain the services, as far as possible, of those who would be likely to be conversant with the work required of them. The Labour Exchange staff was not, therefore, recruited by competitive examination, but the great majority of the higher appointments were originally filled on the recommendation of a committee presided over by the First Civil Service Commissioner. In view of the special nature of the duties, I do not think that it would be desirable to limit the appointment of Labour Exchange officers to persons chosen by competitive examination; but I need hardly say that any applications from those who have passed the Civil Service examination would be carefully considered. I am at the present moment considering what improvements can be effected in the methods by which appointments are made in this service.
§ Mr. PEELDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think, subject to what he has said, that preference ought to be given to those who have passed through a Civil Service examination, and more especially to those who have been squeezed out of other offices through re-organisation, having taken place in those offices?
Mr. BUXTONI think that in some cases the work is not suitable for those who, in the ordinary course, are called Civil servants, but I am giving the matter my consideration. I desire, certainly, as far as possible, to utilise their service. As regards the last part of the question, it depends, of course, on the circumstances under which a particular officer may have been squeezed out, whether his application will be favourably or unfavourably considered.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEHow many of these officials were appointed on the personal recommendation of the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor in office?
Mr. BUXTONI have already pointed out that the great majority of the higher appointments were originally filled on the recommendation of the committee presided over by the First Civil Service Commissioner.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODCould we not revert as quickly as possible to the good old Liberal practice of open competition and do away with these bureaucratic nominations?
§ Mr. WATTWill the nominees of the Labour party get preference, as in the days of the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor?