§ 53. Mr. HURDasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that advertisements are appearing in the public Press of what is termed an important competitive examination for civil servants, minor and manipulative grades, for appointment to clerical class, general and departmental, to commence in London and at numerous provincial centres on 27th March, 1928; and whether he will defer the appointments of this character until the staffs of the Departments have been reduced to meet the needs of national economy?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Arthur Michael Samuel)This competition is being held under agreed arrangements for affording an opportunity of admission to the clerical classes to members of established minor and manipulative grades in the Civil Service who comply with certain conditions. With regard to the latter half of the question, reductions in staffs are being, and will continue to be made, but a complete suspension of competitions for entry to 1169 the clerical grades of the Civil Service is neither feasible nor desirable in the public interest.
§ Mr. SAMUELYes, because we must have a Civil Service to carry out the business of the State?
§ Major PRICECould not the hon. Gentleman absorb the ex-servicemen who have experience in Government offices?
§ Mr. SAMUELThat has always been done.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHDoes the hon. Gentleman consider that, while the staffs are as large as they are now, it is a good thing to continue to take in large numbers of young men?
§ Mr. SAMUELThat is not quite the correct way in which to state the case. These persons under discussion are already members of the lower grade of the Civil Service. They are already in the Civil Service.