§ 50. Captain Crowderasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why established civil servants in redundant grades in the Post Office are not given the same facilities as new recruits from outside the Civil Service to sit for open examinations in order to qualify for promotion to clerical posts.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Glenvil Hall)All established civil servants who were within the normal age limits for the clerical class competition during the period of the war, and as a result of the war lost opportunities of competing, are eligible to compete in the Open Reconstruction Competition for the clerical class on precisely the same terms as candidates from outside the service. In addition, members of the minor and manipulative grades of the Post Office can compete in the limited competition, which is open to established civil servants only.
§ Captain CrowderDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that some priority should be given to established servants compared with those coming from outside?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallNormally, provided that they are within the age limits, they have exactly the same chance as someone coming in from outside. In addition, they have this limited competition open to them.
§ Mr. W. R. WilliamsIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is deep feeling among members of the redundant grades in the Post Office that as a result of reorganisation of the services something more should be done in the direction indicated in this Question, and will he examine the matter further with a view to seeing what are the possibilities?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallCertainly. We are always ready to look into these things. I should make it clear that, although these people have become redundant, there is no suggestion that they are to be discharged. They are established.
§ Mr. W. J. BrownIn considering the case of these redundant men, will the right hon. Gentleman have regard to the other half-dozen categories of people who are entitled to consideration, and be extremely careful about what he does?