HL Deb 19 November 1952 vol 179 cc381-2

2.42 p.m.

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will do their utmost to effect any necessary reductions in the Civil Service by stopping new entry rather than by the dismissal of middle-aged temporary civil servants.]

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, in planning recruitment to the Civil Service regard is, of course, paid to the likelihood of contraction. It would not be right, however, that the current staff reductions should be allowed to stop open recruitment completely. To do so would be to jeopardise the future efficiency of the Service, which must not be deprived of a supply of young entrants.