HC Deb 02 December 1946 vol 431 cc27-8
50. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that, as a result of an examination conducted by the Civil Service Commission, highly experienced established officers in his Department have been graded in the National Advisory Service at much lower grades than officers with comparatively limited experience and technical knowledge; that this has caused considerable dissatisfaction; and if he will arrange for an inquiry to be made into the method of examination and the assessment of results.

Mr. T. Williams

Arrangements were made by my Department with the Civil Service Commission, after consulting the staff association concerned, for officers of the Ministry to be interviewed and graded by the same selection boards as outside candidates, so as to secure fair treatment for all concerned. The membership of each board included a senior officer of my Department. As frequently happens in cases of this kind, some candidates may have been disappointed at the results; but I do not consider that any inquiry of the kind suggested by my hon. Friend is called for.

Mr. Collins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the examination to which I have referred was of a very perfunctory nature, and that the Commission apparently did not have the advantage of previous reports on the officers concerned? Will he look into the matter again?

Mr. Williams

I can hardly accept the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, but if he disputes the fairness of the inquiries I am afraid a further question would have to be put to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, under whom the Civil Service Commission resides.

Sir Arthur Salter

Would the right hon. Gentleman assist the Civil Service Commission to maintain their standards, bearing in mind that experience in subordinate offices and technical knowledge are not the only qualifications to high administrative responsibility?

Mr. Williams

I could not agree with the right hon. Gentleman more. In many of these cases something other than so-called academic qualifications does enter into the scheme of things, and has done, in making these appointments.

Mr. W. J. Brown

Will the Minister bear in mind that the experience of some 70 years demonstrates absolutely that the only people who are ever satisfied with the results of a Civil Service Commission examination are the people who pass?