§ Mr. JOWETTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he would announce, before accepting any applications for posts which it will be necessary to create if the National Insurance Bill is passed into law, the date on which applications will be received, full particulars as to the salaries offered to applicants, 892 and the qualifications, experience, and other conditions which successful applicants for each class of appointment must possess; and if he would give reasonable notice to the public stating on what conditions he will be prepared to receive applications for the posts in question, in order to give equal opportunities to all intending applicants?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEIt would be premature to make any announcement at present as to the precise machinery to he adopted, but steps will be taken to give equality of opportunity to all eligible candidates. I have already caused an announcement to be made in the Press that until public notice has been given of vacancies no applications will be either considered or recorded.
§ Mr. WATTWill the right hon. Gentleman disqualify applicants who endeavour to obtain the influence of Members of Parliament?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI could not do that I wish I could prevent them in my own case. I have applications flooding in at present notwithstanding the notice that was put in the papers.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEWill the right hon. Gentleman adopt the same rule as is adopted in the Home Office, and make it known that anyone approaching Members of Parliament will be disqualified?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThat is subject to the qualification—unless the Member of Parliament can speak from personal knowledge. I could not rule out the advantage which after all a Minister has from the personal knowledge of the Member of Parliament of the qualifications of the applicant. Subject to that it is a very good suggestion.
§ Mr. LEEDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that it would be greatly to the convenience and comfort of Members in all parts of the House if he could make this restriction?