§ 72. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that each of the 902 candidates who sat for the competition for sorterships in London last March paid an entrance fee of 10s.; whether he can state for what purpose the £451 thus received has been used; what part of it was expended in meeting the necessary costs of the examination; and whether the balance will be returned to the unsuccessful candidates?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The cost to the Civil Service Commission of an examination is sometimes in excess and sometimes in defect of the fees received for that examination. The fees are not appropriated to meet the expense of the particular examination, but are paid direct to the Exchequer. The cost of the examination now referred to exceeded the receipts from fees. The latter part of the question does not appear to arise.
§ Mr. MORRISONIn view of the very large number of applicants and the very small number of vacancies, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a good case has been made out for returning the entrance fees for this examination?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIn this particular instance—into which I have inquired—it is clear there is no case, for the cost exceeded the receipts.
§ Mr. MORRISONBut does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that here there were 1,600 entrants for five vacancies?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI imagine that the cost was greater, in view of the number of applicants.
§ Mr. MORRISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that 1,600 applicants would have paid 12s. each had they been told there were only five vacancies?
§ Mr. MOSLEYIs there any competition in the Publicity Departments?