PHYSICAL TRAINING (SECRE TARIAL POSTS).

HC Deb 11 March 1937 vol 321 cc1326-7

42. Mr. Viant

asked the President of the Board of Education the reasons for the engagement of non-civil servants to occupy secretarial posts in connection with the Government's physical training organisation; whether he was satisfied that no civil servant was competent to discharge the required duties; and will he give an assurance that neither of these officers will be established as a permanent civil servant?

Mr. Stanley

The two members of the secretarial staff who are not civil servants were appointed on account of their special knowledge of the work of voluntary organisations in the field of physical training and recreation. The answers to the second and third parts of the question are in the affirmative.

43. Mr. Viant

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that it is not the practice for the Government's civil employés to use their honorary military titles; and whether, in order to avoid creating a false impression as to the objects of the physical training scheme, he will impose a similar rule on officials connected therewith?

Mr. Stanley

I am aware that civil servants do not generally make use of such military titles as may have been conferred upon them when they were gazetted out of the Army. There is, however, no rule on the matter, which is one for the discretion of the individuals concerned. In these circumstances, I am unable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Mr. Alexander

Will it not give a completely false impression in the country if the officer uses his military title?

Mr. Stanley

I cannot think there are many people so misguided, though there may be some so malicious, as to think that because the secretary of a body happened to acquire a military title 19 years ago, that body will be of a militarist character.

Mr. Alexander

Is it not a fact that this man will have to act in the capacity of a civil servant, and that using the title will be contrary to all established practice?

Mr. Stanley

For some years, several of the board's inspectors of physical training have retained their military titles. I do not think that the right hon. Gentleman need attach any suspicion to that fact.