HC Deb 23 January 1930 vol 234 cc312-3
74. Mr. W. J. BROWN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will cause instructions to be issued that no further dismissals of efficient ex-service men are to take place from the Civil Service pending the receipt of a recommendation from the Royal Commission on the Civil Service on the subject of the future of ex-service men in the Civil Service; and whether, as a means of preventing such dismissals, he will arrange for the suspension of further open recruitment to the Civil Service pending the receipt of the Royal Commission's recommendation?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)

In reply to the first part of the question, the retention in the Government service of the men concerned must necessarily depend on the existence of work on which they can be employed. In reply to the second part I would refer to the pledge contained in the answer I gave on the 31st October last to the right hon. and learned Member for the Ealing Division (Sir H. Nield) and to the answer to a similar question from the hon. and gallant Member for the Dulwich Division (Sir F. Hall) on tine 4th November last.

Mr. BROWN

Is not the hon. Member aware that there is tremendous insecurity among the temporary staffs now employed in the Civil Service, at a time when we are extensively recruiting boys and girls from schools through open competitive examinations? Inasmuch as the Minister is able to determine upon open competitive recruitment, can he give an assurance that the men now in possession will not be disturbed?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

It is not possible to go further than the pledge already given. The hon. Member knows perfectly well that it is a question of different grades and occupations in the Civil Service.

Mr. BROWN

May I give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory reply which I have received from the Minister, I will raise this matter on the Adjournment tonight?

Major the Marquess of TITCHFIELD

May I ask the Financial Secretary to say that if anybody is to be sacked from the Civil Service it will be "conchies" first, and ex-Service men last?