HC Deb 12 June 1956 vol 554 cc233-4
39. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why it was necessary to bring 800 candidates for driving and traffic examiners appointments in the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation to London for interview by the Civil Service Commission between 28th September, 1955, and 12th April, 1956, including Scottish candidates who had already passed their driving tests in Edinburgh.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Interviews in Edinburgh and London were considered to be the most efficient and economical method of selection for a large number of candidates scattered all over the country. Between the dates mentioned 661 candidates were interviewed after taking their driving tests. Thirty-eight of these were candidates in Scotland, thirty-three of whom were interviewed in Edinburgh. Five candidates, whose driving tests in Edinburgh could not be held before the interview board there had finished its sittings, were seen in London.

Sir D. Robertson

Does not this Question reveal a wastage which is rather typical of the times in which we live? Would my right hon. Friend not take another look at the matter, and realise that great cities such as Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow are quite capable of interviewing candidates for jobs of this nature?

Mr. Macmillan

I will certainly look into it.