§ 68 and 69. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) what undertakings, given as a result of the recommendations of the Lytton Committee, prevent a resumption of appointments to the administrative class from the 1921 list, in view of paragraph 31 of the Final Report of the Southborough Committee, in which it is stated that effect has already been given to the recommendations of the Lytton Committee in regard to the administrative class;
(2) whether, when normal recruitment of the administrative grade by open competition is resumed, under paragraph 31 of the Final Report of the Southborough Committee, the claims of the candidates 2918 who took the open competition of 1921 will be reconsidered before arrangements are made to hold further open competitions for that class?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. William Graham)The statement in the Final Report of the Southborough Committee to which the hon. Member refers is coupled with the statement that it is proposed to extend somewhat the period during which appointments may be made from ex-service candidates at the examination held in accordance with the recommendation in the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee and with the further suggestion that the normal method of recruitment should be resumed as and when sufficient vacancies exist. The list of candidates from the 1921 open competition has already been kept open for two years beyond the normal period, and I regret that I am unable to reconsider the decision to close the list as from 31st March last.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs the hon. Member aware that several of those who passed the 1921 examination, and are now waiting for appointments, were men who served in the War, and, after serving in the War, returned to their studies, prepared for and passed the open examination, and obtained high places in the list, and are they not still being kept out from any employment because preference has been given to those who have been temporarily employed, without passing any examination?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have very great sympathy with my right hon. Friend's points. There is undoubtedly difficulty, but the list was kept over for more than two years, and the real problem is the competition of these ex-service men with other ex-service men who have also claims to be appointed.
§ Sir H. CRAIKBut is the ex-service man who, after serving in the War, goes back, resumes his studies, and then passes the open examination, not a very much superior one to the ex-service man who, with small qualifications, accepts a temporary post and then keeps out this better qualified man? Is not the hon. Member aware that this is detrimental, and is proving itself detrimental to the service generally? I ask for the consideration of the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have already told my right hon. Friend, and he knows, that I sympathise very largely with his point of view, but I am afraid we are bound by the decisions of the House in these matters. It is a very difficult thing to reconcile these claims, but I am satisfied that we should not keep this list open longer. It has already been kept open for two years beyond the time.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs not the first thing to look upon the efficiency of the service, and is not that efficiency being injured by the present procedure?