HC Deb 01 May 1934 vol 289 cc145-6
60. Mr. LEONARD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his discussions with the Treasury have succeeded in gaining a greater apportionment of civil servants to the Departments under his control who have qualified at entrance by examination for higher administrative positions?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)

The establishment of the Scottish Office includes provision for direct recruitment from the administrative class examination, but such provision is not at present made in the case of the Departments in Edinburgh under my control. The various considerations involved in any change in the existing establishments are engaging my attention, but no conclusion has yet been reached at to what changes should be made in the staffing arrangements of the Edinburgh Departments.

Mr. LEONARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lack of officials with these qualifications is considered in Scotland to be a grave reflection on the status of these Departments, to say nothing of the Secretaryship of State for Scotland?

Sir G. COLLINS

The point raised by my hon. Friend is actually under consideration. The matter is engaging my personal attention at the moment.