HC Deb 11 March 1930 vol 236 cc1098-9
62. Mr. W. J. BROWN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the continued recruitment of open competition entrants to the executive and clerical classes prejudicially affects the promotion prospects of clerical officers, writing assistants, typists, and P-class clerks, and results in continued insecurity amongst temporary clerks; and whether he is prepared to limit open competitive recruitment to the executive clerical and writing assistant classes to a point which permits of free consideration of the claims to promotion of persons already serving, and a declaration of security to be given to the remaining temporary staffs?

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

Recourse is had to open competitive examination for the executive and clerical classes only for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of the Departments after the claims to promotion of all suitable officers therein have been fully considered. With regard to the writing assistant examination I am prepared to continue the arrangements announced by my predecessor on the 22nd November, 1928, in reply to a question from the hon. and gallant Member for the Dulwlch Division (Sir F. Hall) whereby suitable ex-Service temporary clerks who may become redundant will be re-employed where practicable on a temporary basis in posts normally filled by writing assistants. On the question of security, as regards ex-Service clerks, I would refer my hon. Friend to the assurance I gave in reply to the right hon. and learned Member for the Ealing Division (Sir H. Nield) on the 31st October last. As regards temporary women clerks, I decided in October last to continue, pending the Report of the Royal Commission, the pledge given by my predecessor in reply to a question on the 4th December, 1928, from my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works. I am sending my hon. Friend copies of these replies.

Mr. BROWN

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that, in spite of the assurance referred to in his reply, large numbers of young girls are being given permanent posts in the service, while ex-Service men are in a state of insecurity?

Mr. SPEAKER

Commander Bellairs.

Mr. BROWN

On a point of Order.

Mr. SPEAKER

What is the point of Order?

Mr. BROWN

I want to ask whether it is not customary to reply to a supplementary question.

Mr. SPEAKER

I thought that the supplementary question was in the nature of giving information.

Mr. BROWN

In those circumstances, may I give notice that I will take an opportunity of raising this matter on the Adjournment?