§ 23. Mr. HARDIEasked the Minister of Labour whether the post of branch manager at Rothesay Employment Exchange has been filled; and whether, in consideration of candidates, special attention was given to qualified men having no other occupation or whether any candidate having an income of £600 per year was considered?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Applications from candidates in receipt of substantial incomes from other occupations have been received, but other things being equal, preference will be given to candidates with considerable time at their disposal.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not to be a consideration, apart from dealing with the unemployed, that an occupation like this will be given to someone who is prepared to take it and has not an income already upon which he can live?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am not at all sure how far we should be justified in inquiring into the private means of the applicants. Our one desire is to get the best man for the job, and, as I have said, preference will be given to candidates who have considerable time at their disposal.