§ 33. Sir John Mellorasked the Secretary of State for War why he has promoted to the post of Office Services Controller, over the heads of 24 senior members of the same grade, one of the four officials, reprimanded for working for Glass Developments Limited between November, 1948, and March, 1949, in his Department's time and with materials which were the property of the Government.
§ Mr. StracheyThis appointment was filled by the selection of the most suitable officer available for the purpose. I should point out that the statement in the last part of the Question is misleading. This particular officer did no work for the firm mentioned.
§ Sir J. MellorHas not the Staff side of the Whitley Council protested against this promotion, and did not the Under-Secretary say, in the adjournment debate, on 20th March last year, in regard to the severe reprimands:
It is something which will stand in these men's way for the rest of their careers in the Civil Service and which will be a definite hindrance to them and a constant reminder of the serious irregularities that they have committed."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 20th March, 1950; Vol. 472, c. 1718.]
§ Mr. StracheyYes. I am far from agreeing that the severe reprimand in question has not affected the promotion of those men who were reprimanded, but that is different from saying that they shall never again be promoted.
§ Sir J. MellorWhy has this man been jumped over the heads of 24 other senior men? What was the special reason?
§ Mr. StracheyPromotions in the office of the War Department must be made of who is considered to be the most suitable officer for the particular post which is vacant. This officer should either have been dismissed or he must be eligible at some time for further promotion.
§ Sir J. MellorWhat was the special characteristic which made this man so eligible?