26. Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked if, in filling the position of typist-controller at the War Office, the permanent staff of the Department has on two occasions been passed over in favour of persons from outside; whether the claims and qualifications of the present superintendents were fully considered before Miss Roads was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by Miss Murby's transfer; what are the respective duties of typist-controller and typist superintendents; and what duties, apart from the routine work of taking down letters from dictation and typing, were performed by Miss Roads in her previous position of private shorthand writer to the Secretary of State?
§ Colonel SEELYWhen the War Office staff was transferred to the new building and the various sections of the typists were amalgamated in one branch, it was considered expedient to create a new appointment of controller for regulating the distribution of the work amongst so large a staff and for disciplinary purposes. The capabilities of the superintendents then serving in the branch were fully considered, but it was held to be necessary in the best interests of the service to select a candidate from outside. On the occurrence of the recent vacancy the capabilities of the staff were again considered, but it was again found impracticable to select a member of that staff. The superintendents take a share of the work of typing and control the work of the various sub-sections, and the controller exercises general supervision. She is not required to do typing work herself. Miss Roads held the position of confidential clerk to the Secretary of State.
Mr. FRED HALLIs the House to understand that out of fifty-one typists there was nobody capable of taking this position, and will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what were the duties of Miss Roads as his private secretary?
§ Colonel SEELYWith regard to the first part of the question, I have answered it already. I am informed there was nobody on this occasion, as on the previous occasion, who was considered capable of fulfilling these particular duties. With regard to the second part of the question, the lady was my confidential typist, as she had acted to other Members of the House, including the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. Of course, it was the greatest possible inconvenience to me she was given this appointment.
Mr. FRED HALLAre we to understand the appointment, was made subsequent to the discussion in this House with regard to patronage and appointments and the appointment of the Committee of Inquiry?
§ Colonel SEELYAs far as I am aware, it has nothing to do with any Committee appointed by this House.
§ Mr. SNOWDENAre we to understand Miss Roads had had no experience whatever of supervision before she was appointed?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not know exactly what experience she had had. I know she had had a great deal of valuable experience of all kinds, at least, so I have been informed; but, as I say, I have, nothing to do with it. It is a great inconvenience to me. She is undoubtedly a most competent young lady and was so considered by those who appointed her.
Mr. FRED HALLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the appointment was made subsequent to the discussion which took place in the House with regard to patronage and appointments?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not know to what the hon. Member refers. The appointment was made six weeks ago or something of that kind.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put his question down.