HC Deb 23 May 1940 vol 361 cc304-5
47. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider giving instructions that, in future, all Government appointments be made solely on the grounds of efficiency and merit alone and without regard to seniority or any other system of privilege appointments?

Mr. Attlee

I presume my hon. Friend has in mind appointments in Government Departments. I can assure him that full regard is always had to the considerations to which he refers.

Mr. De la Bère

Does my right hon. Friend not realise the urgency of overhauling some of the existing appointments with a view to winning the war?

Mr. Attlee

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend on the urgency of winning the war and all the necessary overhauling will, of course, be done.

Mr. De la Bère

Perhaps my right hon. Friend will have a word with me about it afterwards.

Mr. Thurtle

May I ask the Lord Privy Seal whether his reply also covers Army Staff appointments?

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