§ 48. Mr. Leonardasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied, in appointing Sir George Gater as the Permanent Under-Secretary for the Colonies, that there was no civil servant 1243 in this country capable of discharging the duties; whether the qualifications and the terms for this post are the same in relation to Sir George Gater as would be applied to a serving civil servant; and whether, in view of the fact that an appointment of this kind made from outside the Civil Service is calculated to discourage serving civil servants, he will avoid any further adoption of this policy in the future?
§ The Prime MinisterI am satisfied that, having regard to the exceptional pressure upon other Departments, no equally suitable civil servant could have been made available. As regards the second part of the question, the salary and conditions of service will be the same as if the post had been filled from within the Civil Service. As regards the last part, all considerations relevant to the public interest are borne in mind in making appointments.
§ Mr. LeonardHave any representations been made to the Prime Minister by the staff side of the National Whitley Council?
§ The Prime MinisterNot that I am aware of.
§ Mr. LeonardIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the disquiet which exists throughout the Civil Service, especially in view of the fact that 20 other appointments are going to be made, as these might be made from university dons who have not passed the necessary qualifications for the Civil Service; and can he make a statement on the matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI know that statements sometimes appear in the Press which give rise to a great deal of anxiety in the public mind, but I am not responsible for that.
§ Sir Percy HarrisIs it not the case that this gentleman received no financial advantage from being transferred from the London County Council?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is so.
§ Mr. MacquistenIs it not desirable that we should get new blood and new brains into these posts?