HC Deb 07 April 1936 vol 310 cc2593-5
63. Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that an advertisement is appearing in the daily newspapers inviting applications for the position of inspector of Scottish prisons; and that applications have to be lodged with the secretary of the Prisons Department; arid whether he can state who will be responsible for selecting the short leet or making the final appointment?

Sir G. COLLINS

Yes, Sir. The short leet for this appointment will be drawn up by a selection board appointed in accordance with usual practice and including a representative of the Civil Service Commissioners. I will make the final appointment after consideration of the selection board's recommendation.

Mr. MACLEAN

Will that same committee select the short leet?

Sir G. COLLINS

I think so but I will make further inquiries.

Mr. THURTLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman have a glossary of Scottish terms made for the benefit of English Members?

65. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of applications received for the appointment of secretary of the Prisons Department for Scotland; how many of these applications were received respectively from prison officials in Scotland, prison officials in England, and officials in the prisons department; whether he can state the number placed on the short leet; and the number of these who had previous prison official experience?

Sir G. COLLINS

Four hundred and sixteen applications were received for the appointment of Secretary of the Prisons Department for Scotland. Of these four were from prisons officers in Scotland, seven from prisons officers in England and two from the headquarters of the Prisons Department for Scotland. Twenty-six candidates were placed on the short leet and of these seven had previous prison official experience.

Mr. MACLEAN

Why is it necessary to reduce the leet?

Sir G. COLLINS

There is no particular reason why the leet was reduced in any one respect, but these 26 were thought to be the best out of the 416 submitted.

Mr. MACLEAN

How long experience had the successful candidate?

Sir G. COLLINS

No particular time is necessary. It all depends on the qualifications of the different individuals.

Mr. MACLEAN

I am asking how long experience this particular successful candidate had.

Sir G. COLLINS

The particular successful applicant has not yet been chosen. I am afraid I am unable to answer that question.