§ 1 and 2. Major ENTWISTLEasked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether he is aware that in the Local War Pensions Committees' Handbook, page 86, paragraph 318 (3a), dealing with the appointment of principal officers of such committees, it is laid down that the Minister will not be prepared to approve any appointment of a candidate who has not served in the forces unless he is satisfied that no ex-service candidate is suitable for the post; and whether he still acts on this principle in making or confirming such appointments;
(2) whether he is aware that the Bristol Local War Pensions Committee re- 536 ceived 419 applications for their secretary-ship; that the Committee left the appointment to the Minister, submitting two names for his consideration; that the two names submitted were those of the assistant-secretary of the Committee and a lieut.-colonel with distinguished service in the late War, the assistant-secretary being a young man of about 30 years of age with no military service, although not medically rejected, and that the Ministry appointed the young man with no service, although the other candidate had in addition to his service, considerable organising experience in civil life; and if he will state for what reason preference was given to a young man with no service, having regard to the War Pensions (Proceedings of Committees) Regulations, 1919, Nos. 8 and 9?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Macpherson)In reply to these questions, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for the Central Division of Bristol on the 28th October.
§ Major ENTWISTLECan we have quite clearly the construction the right hon. Gentleman puts on this paragraph? Is it he is to be "satisfied that no ex-service candidate is suitable," or that "no ex-service candidate is more suitable"?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIn every case I can I appoint ex-service men. In this particular case the candidate was one of great experience and the work of a most intricate and difficult nature. In view of the representations made to me, not only by the Committee, but by ex-service men who had come in contact with the work of this man, I had to come to the conclusion I did.
§ 7. Viscount ELVEDENasked the Minister of Pensions if it is the intention of the Government to place secretaries and officials of the local war pensions committees on the permanent Civil Service establishment?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have received proposals in this sense, which are receiving consideration.