§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Civil Service examination for inspectors of engine fitters in Royal dockyards is a competitive or a qualifying examination; if competitive, whether any list is issued showing the position of the successful candidates in order of merit; whether that order is strictly observed when selecting inspectors; whether additional marks are given by officials and for what reason; and whether, if the examination is now competitive, and in view of dissatisfaction sometimes arising, he can see his way in future to make it a qualifying examination only and place the successful candidates in alphabetical order?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe examination referred to is competitive as between candidates belonging to the same dockyard, and marks are assigned in respect of the personal qualification of the candidates for duties of supervision. The dockyards are informed of the position of the successful candidates in order of merit. Promotions are made according to their results of the examination, combined with the marks for personal qualifications, but the position of a candidate as determined by his marks does not imply appointment to either an acting or an established position without reference to his subsequent character and conduct. It is not proposed to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the hon. Member's question.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAre these marks given after examination or before?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf the hon. Gentleman will give me notice, I will inquire.