HC Deb 23 November 1925 vol 188 cc917-8
82. Captain FRASER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if any ex-service men at present employed as hydrographic draughtsmen in the Admiralty who may fail to pass the forthcoming examination for appointment to a permanent post on the established list will be transferred to the special permanent but non-pensioned class, initiated for the benefit of ex-service civil servants?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. J. C. C. Davidson)

The regulations for the forthcoming qualifying examination for appointment to established posts as draughtsmen in the hydrographic department of the Admiralty are in accord with the recommendations of the Lytton and Southborough Committee on the employment of ex-service men in the Civil Service. As my hon. Friend will see from the memorandum dated the 12th January, 1925, on action to be taken in connection with the Southborough Report, of which memorandum I am sending him a copy, it is not proposed to institute a special permanent non-pensionable class of technical officers in cases where it is possible, as In the hydrographic department drawing office, to fix the permanent technical complement forthwith.

Captain FRASER

Does not that mean that if these men have failed to obtain permanent positions, they will be dismissed, and, if so, may not that be regarded as a breach of the pledge given by the Government to these men?

Mr. DAVIDSON

I will consider that, but I do not think it is so.

Major CRAWFURD

Have there been any complaints as to the work done by these men during the time of their employment?

Mr. DAVIDSON

I should require notice of that Question.