HC Deb 05 April 1927 vol 204 cc1867-8
64. Mr. CAMPBELL

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the reason why new entrants are being admitted by examination to the Civil Service when there are already so many temporary employes, and when there is a general move- ment for the reduction, and not the increase, of the numbers in the service?

Mr. McNEILL

Whilst full consideration is given, on the occurrence of vacancies, to the claims of persons already employed in the Civil Service, it is essential in the public interest that appointments to the established Civil Service should be made from time to time by open competition. So far as temporary clerks are concerned, repeated opportunities have been provided to enable them to qualify, by limited competition, for advancement to established posts, and during the last nine years no fewer than 22,000 appointments have been so made. As regards reduction of numbers, the requirements of each Department are under 'constant review, both in connection with the filling of vacancies and otherwise.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Will my right hon. Friend do his utmost to cut down the staffs in Government Departments and thus effect the economies which all supporters of the Government in the House are so anxious to see and are working so hard to accomplish?