§ 56. Mr. HURDasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the sense of grievance felt by the 113 ex-service men who passed the qualifying examination for positions as officers of Customs and Excise in December last and who are still without appointments; and whether those ex-service men whose careers were interrupted by the War will be given employment in priority to fresh candidates at competitive examinations who were at school or in civil employment during the War?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Lieut.-Commander Hilton Young)I have been asked to reply. The qualifying examination of December, 1920, was the last of a series held for the post of officer of Customs and Excise under the Reconstruction Regulations by which competitive selection among ex-service men was substituted for the normal system of open competitive examination. Of the 168 men who passed the qualifying examination last December and attended for interview, 55 were recommended by the Selection Board for appointment in the vacancies reported by the Board of Customs and Excise. The unsuccessful competitors at the numerous competitions which have been held under the Reconstruction Scheme for a variety of posts have no claim to appointment on the ground that they qualified to appear before the Selection Board. No arrangements have yet been made for the future recruitment of officers of Customs and Excise.
§ Mr. HURDMay I ask whether we are to take it then that these new competitors passing examinations are to be put into the service at the expense of ex- 260 service men who have already passed something in the nature of an examination?
§ Lieut.-Commander YOUNGNo. The point is, I think, clear that passing a qualifying examination only entitles to proceed to the Selection Board and gives no claim at all. A candidate is not successful until he passes the Selection Board. As the hon. Member no doubt knows, the Selection Board always gives due weight, and it may be said preeminent weight, to the ex-service qualification.
§ Mr. HURDWhat I want to know is whether these ex-service men are to be kept out of this service while young fellows are being pushed in from school?
§ Lieut.-Commander YOUNGMy information is certainly to the contrary effect.