HC Deb 10 February 1932 vol 261 cc849-50
56. Mr. McEWEN

asked the Minister of Transport the number of persons now employed at the Ministry of Transport; and what increase in that number has taken place since the passing of the Road Traffic Act?

60. Mr. BARCLAY-HARVEY

asked the Minister of Transport how many extra officials and clerks have been, employed as a result of the appointment of traffic commissioners under the Road Traffic Act?

Mr. PYBUS

The staff employed in the Headquarters and Divisional Road Offices of the Ministry of Transport numbered 729 at the date of the passing of the Road Traffic Act, and is now 772. Twenty-five of the additional appointments are required to deal with duties arising under the Road Traffic Act. In addition, 445 persons, including employés of all grades, have been appointed on the staffs of the Traffic Commissioners and as certifying officers and public service vehicle examiners in the 13 traffic areas. The majority of these are at present employed in an unestablished or temporary capacity.

Mr. MAXTON

Can the Minister tell us what is the method of recruitment for these appointments? Is it by public examination or by wangling; which of the recognised methods is it?

Mr. PYBUS

If the hon. Gentleman will put that question down, I shall be glad to answer it.