§ 67. Sir W. SUGDENasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the continued retention of temporary non-service messengers in the Department of Overseas Trade; and will he give an assurance that, in accordance 2111 with the Government's policy of preferential treatment for ex-service men, they shall be displaced in order to make room for redundant temporary ex-service messengers?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI have been asked to reply. The question of substituting ex-service men for the remaining non-service messengers at present employed in the Department has been repeatedly considered, but it has been decided to retain the non-service men on grounds of special efficiency, long service and private circumstances. Vacancies are filled by the appointment of ex-service men, but I am not prepared to give an assurance that the non-service messengers at present employed shall be displaced to make room for ex-service messengers whose posts are redundant in other Departments. I may add, that out of 34 messengers in the Department, only six are non-service.
§ Sir W. SUGDENOn account of the grave importance of my hon. Friend's reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.