§ 73. Colonel YATEasked the Prime Minister whether, in consideration of the fact that the Government of Canada has closed the Civil Service against men of military age and fitness, he will give orders for the adoption of a similar course in the United Kingdom, and put a stop during the continuance of the War to the competitive examinations among young men who are approaching or who have attained military age?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. McKinnon Wood)Steps were taken as soon as possible after the outbreak of the War to suspend all Home Civil Service examinations open to men of military age for the duration of the War; and the last examination from which any appointments were made was held in March, 1915. The only examinations for males now held are for boys under seventeen years of age, with the exception of the assistant clerks examination, for which the candidates are boy clerks of seventeen years of age. These boys are entitled by the terms of their engagement to compete for assistant clerkships on reaching the age of seventeen, and their success at an examination in no way prevents them joining the Army when they reach military age.
§ Sir E. CARSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the same rule applies to the Civil Service in Ireland?
§ Mr. McKINNON WOODI am not aware that there is any separate arrangement for Ireland. I think it must apply to Ireland.