§ 8. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour what are the factors that enter into his consideration for the promotion of officials of employment exchanges.
§ Mr. BevinPromotions are made on the recommendation of promotion boards in accordance with rules of procedure agreed by the Departmental Whitley Council. Under these rules, those officers are selected for posts in the higher grades who are considered, in the light of their qualifications and experience, to be best qualified for the post in question. In promotion to the lower grades, while merit is the determining factor, due regard is also paid to seniority.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is possible for him to dispel, and whether he has made inquiries about, the idea that prevails in some quarters that officials of the employment exchanges are promoted, in part because of the large number of persons they direct from place to place?
§ Mr. BevinThat never enters into the consideration at all. It only arises from a diseased imagination.