§ 27. Mr. J. Harrisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications were received for the 98 appointments to the Information Officer Class of the Civil Service; how many applicants, not already in the Civil Service, have been interviewed; and how many applicants over the age of 45 years have been offered interviews for these appointments.
§ Mr. PowellOne thousand six hundred and seventy-three have applied; 127 not employed in the Civil Service have been offered interview, and 112 of these are over 45.
§ Mr. HarrisonIs the Minister aware that there is a general feeling amongst people qualified to apply for these posts that the advertisements which are usually posted when there is a vacancy are merely gestures, and that anyone outside the Civil Service proper has no chance whatsoever of obtaining one of these jobs?
§ Mr. PowellI am glad to have an opportunity of stating that the Commissioners, in selecting candidates for interview, have no regard to whether a candidate is or is not at the moment a member of the Civil Service.