HC Deb 10 March 1920 vol 126 cc1301-2W
Captain BROWN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the present Regulations of the Civil Service Commission, by fixing the age at under twenty-five as qualification for appointment to permanent appointments, discriminates unfairly against ex-service men who enlisted in 1914 or 1915; and if he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to securing for these men a fair chance of obtaining such appointments?

Mr. BALDWIN

I assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Regulations for the recruitment of ex-service men for male clerkships in the Employment and Irish Departments of the Ministry of Labour. The age limits were fixed, after full consideration, at nineteen to twenty-five at the date of the qualifying examination, and in view of the large supply of qualified candidates within these age limits, it was not thought desirable to extend them. I may add that the lists for the forthcoming examination are now closed.