§ 52. Sir A. KNOXasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will consider the retention of ex-service temporary clerks in preference to their displacement, either directly or indirectly, by open competition or by serving members of the writing-assistant grade?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIt was agreed in paragraph 15 of the Temporary Staffs 343 Committee Report of the 24th August last that an efficient ex-service temporary clerk employed in a particular post will not be discharged to make room in that post for a recruit from open competition. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that this agreement will be observed.
§ 53. Mr. CLARRYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to continue in force the preference for ex-service men in Civil Service appointments?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe Royal Commission on the Civil Service, 1929–31, recommended in paragraph 559 of their report that the existing preference for ex-service men in connection with the recruitment of temporary clerical personnel should be discontinued. The matter was considered on the Temporary Staffs Committee and it was agreed to recommend that in so far as temporary employment could not be obviated, other things being equal, an ex-service man should be appointed in preference to a non-service man. This recommendation has been adopted.