§ 54 and 55. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister (1) whether there will be an opportunity afforded to the House, either on the discussion of the Vote for the Civil Service Commissioners or otherwise, to discuss the value of making appointments by competitive examination; and (2) whether he has noted the divergency of views recently expressed on appointments by competitive examination; and whether he will give an opportunity to the House to discuss the question raised by the Returns, Public Service (Appointments without Competitive Examination)?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot do more at the moment than to repeat the answer which I gave on the 2nd instant on this subject. I may point out that the question of competitive examination falls within the scope of the Royal Commission which is now sitting.
§ Mr. KINGHas the right hon. Gentleman been made aware of the great differences of opinion in this matter existing even side by side on the Front Opposition Bench?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not in the counsels of the Front Opposition Bench, but I can well believe that that is so.