HC Deb 28 July 1953 vol 518 cc1081-2
32. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to what extent the Civil Service Commission are bound in examinations such as those for entry to Dartmouth Naval College in which they act as agents for the Admiralty, to accept changes proposed by the Admiralty in the conditions for the examinations.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The Commissioners would not be bound to accept any such changes.

Mr. Callaghan

In view of the remarkable decision by the Admiralty to change the conditions half-way through the May. 1952, examination, would the Financial Secretary consider suggesting to the Commission that they should take over the control of the examination from the Admiralty?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

When the hon. Member has had time to study my answer he will see that the change effected in the conditions had nothing whatever to do with the Admiralty.

Mr. Callaghan

Does not the Financial Secretary realise that in that case he is lowering the very well deserved reputation for impartiality which the Commission have heretofore enjoyed?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As already explained by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, the adjustments in the conditions of this examination were made when the attention of the Commissioners was drawn by the headmaster concerned to a manifest defect in the arrangements and, being sensible people, when a defect was pointed out they put it right.

Mr. Callaghan

As these changes could not apply to all candidates, what does the Financial Secretary think are the views of those who were not subject to the benefit of this modification?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The modification was made with respect to all the candidates taking that examination who would be affected by it.