§ 48. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in making promotions to the rank of first-class valuer in the Inland Revenue, regard is paid to the work required from the officer promoted?
Mr. GRAHAMEvery effort is made to select for promotion the officer who is best qualified by general merit to perform the duties of the superior grade.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESMy hon. Friend, in reply to my question, has referred to Circular letter No. 1019, of 16th February. Does that hold good or does it not?
Mr. GRAHAMI think I explained to my hon. and gallant Friend before that this matter is really regulated by a Promotions Committee within the Department. All the circumstances are taken into account, but, of course, merit must prevail in a promotion of this kind.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this officer was not interviewed by the Promotions Committee? Is he also aware that the letter I quoted just now says that the actual promotion has to be made having regard to the work required in the officer promoted? I want to know whether this is actually so or not?
Mr. GRAHAMIt is quite obvious that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is dealing with an individual case. I cannot give a reply in regard to an individual case unless I have the details.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESArising out of that—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put another question down.