§ 85. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the reason why ex-registered boy clerks in the Contract and Purchase Department are allowed to sit for the Admiralty Departmental clerical class examination according to Section (K), paragraph 3, of the special Regulations governing this examination, whilst temporary ex-service men in the same Department, with the necessary qualifying service, are not allowed to sit?
§ Mr. AMMONIn view of the outlets within the Admiralty open before the War to these boys who have passed a Civil Service Examination, they have hitherto been regarded as forming part of the unestablished staff with a prospect of continued employment. When it became clear on reorganisation that automatic establishment could not be given it was decided to treat them as Boy Writers, entered after the outbreak of War, who are eligible to compete at the examination irrespective of the department in which they might be serving.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESCan the hon. Gentleman tell me why ex-service men are barred from going on to the establishment at this examination?