HC Deb 10 May 1972 vol 836 cc1313-4
39. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will move for a Select Committee to examine the ways by which appointments are made to the staff, at all levels, in the House of Commons.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

I have been asked to reply.

I am not aware of any reason at the present time for appointing such a Select Committee.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this question was last looked at in 1954 and, if so, has he read that report? Does he recognise that it revealed a morass of nepotism in this House and that a large proportion of it still exists? Can he assure the House that the Government, by whatever means in their power, will take early steps to en- sure that all appointments in this House are within the control of this House and are not the perks of the Armed Services or any other body?

Mr. Baker

I must refute completely the allegation that the appointment of officials of this House is part of a morass of nepotism. This is simply not the case. The great majority of appointments of staff are made through the normal recruiting procedures in which the Civil Service is involved. If the hon. Member has in mind, as I am sure he has, the appointment of the Serjeant at Arms, I would remind him that Mr. Macmillan made clear in 1962 that in regard to future appointments informal discussions would take place with Mr. Speaker.