HC Deb 10 April 1911 vol 24 cc13-4
Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSON

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the number of men admitted into the Civil Service without passing a competitive examination is increasing; whether he can furnish a Return showing the number of men who have been so admitted, the number and maximum value of the posts they occupy, and the reasons for this special admission; and whether there is any intention of ultimately abolishing the competitive examination?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

There is no intention of abandoning competitive examination. I have under consideration the presentation of a Return which will, I hope, give the hon. Member the information desired.

An HON. MEMBER

May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that in the last Parliament I asked for a Return of this kind, which was refused? Is it not a fact that these Returns are only allowed to be furnished when they are asked by hon. Members on the other side of the House?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

There was a Return ordered to-day on the Motion of the hon. Member for Taunton (Mr. W. Peel) in regard to the number of additional posts created in public departments since 1906. Surely that is proof that Returns are not granted in the partial way which the hon. Gentleman suggests. He has no right to make the suggestion.

Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSON

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the intermediate examination was started with the view of inducing boys educated at the public schools to enter the Civil Service; whether, in spite of this second division clerks competed and obtained the majority of these posts; whether steps were taken to prevent second division clerks entering by reducing the service age; and what steps he proposes to take to secure that merit and diligence should be the only essential qualifications?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The examination is suitable for boys leaving public schools and the limits of age are from 18 to 19½. It was found, however, that under the original Regulations clerks already in the service could deduct from their actual age time passed in the public service up to a maximum of five years, so that a clerk could in some circumstances compete up to the age of 24½. The Regulation has been modified so that a clerk already in the service can deduct not more than one year. The operation of the new Regulation takes effect from 1st January, 1912.

Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Primo Minister if he is prepared to appoint a commission or committee of non-official persons to inquire into the whole question of Civil Service appointments and of promotion in the Civil Service?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have not received any representations on this subject, and before giving any answer I should have to be furnished in some details with the grounds upon which such an inquiry is suggested.

Mr. W. R. PEEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very great growth of patronage in Government Departments, and will he institute an inquiry into that growth?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a separate question.

Mr. SNOWDEN

With a view to supplying the information which the right hon. Gentleman asks for, may I ask if he is prepared to set aside a day for discussion of the question?

The PRIME MINISTER

I would rather have the information first.