§ Mr. HOLTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to make any announcement which would deter candidates for appointments under Part II. of the National Insurance Bill from seeking the influence of Members of Parliament in support of their applications?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)In making appointments in connection with unemployment insurance regard will be had solely to the efficiency of the service and to the qualifications of the candidates. I may take this opportunity of stating that political influence should not be sought in support of any application, and that such action would prejudice rather than assist the candidature. I feel sure that in making this statement I have the full support of hon. Members.
§ Sir F. CAWLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman say where, when, and to whom the applications are to be made?
§ Mr. BUXTONDoes the hon. Gentleman mean the applications to Members of Parliament?
§ Sir F. CAWLEYNo.
§ Mr. BUXTONDue notice will be given in the public Press in regard to the matter.
§ Mr. RENDALLCan the right hon. Gentleman give instructions for the preparation of postcards setting out that Members of Parliament have no power of 2128 influencing the appointments to be given, so that Members may be able to use them if necessary?
§ Mr. BUXTONI do not think that is practicable. What I do propose to do, having given this answer, is to have it printed, and to send copies to hon. Members who desire them, so that they may send the answer to those who apply to them.
§ Mr. RENDALLWill a similar answer be prepared in regard to Part I.?
§ Mr. BUXTONI have no control over Part I., but I understand the Chancellor of the Exchequer has already given a similar reply to mine.
§ Mr. RENDALLMay we have copies?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe hon. Member had perhaps better apply to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Sir F. CAWLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question. Where, when, and to whom are applications to be made?
§ Mr. BUXTONI will consider that point.
§ Mr. MORTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether particulars relating to the appointments for the organisation of Part II. of the National Insurance Bill will be published; and, if so, in what manner?
§ Mr. BUXTONI am in hopes that a large proportion of the more responsible appointments may be made from among persons already in the Government service. The remaining appointments will be made on the recommendation of the Civil Service Commissioners, and I shall be guided by them as to the necessity and manner of giving public notice of vacancies.
§ Mr. MORTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether Part II. of the National Insurance Bill will be carried out in conjunction with the present machinery of the Labour Exchanges?
§ Mr. BUXTONYes, Sir.