§ Mr. G. JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the position of representative of the British Clearing Office at Vienna was occupied until recently by an ex-service man; that this position has now been filled by the appointment of Mr. J. T. A. Haines, who is a non-service man; that Mr. Haines was, until his appointment at Vienna, regarded by the Board of Trade as indispensable in his then position of chief claims clerk at the Clearing Office (enemy debts); that the position of chief claims clerk has now been filled by Mr. H. J. Hickleton, who is also a non-service man; and that there are many ex-service men in the Clearing Office (enemy debts) who are competent for the posts to which Mr. Haines and Mr. Hickleton have been appointed as aforesaid; and why have the claims of ex-service men been disregarded in these cases?
§ Viscount WOLMERI am aware of the facts stated in the first four parts of the question. The appointments referred to were made after the most careful consideration of the qualifications of possible candidates, having special regard to the prior claim of ex-service men. It was not found that there were any ex-service officials available who possessed either the experience in Clearing Office matters or the other qualifications regarded as essential for the posts in question. The position to which the first officer mentioned in the question has been promoted is of greater importance than that previously held by him, and it was necessary, in the interests of the Department, to transfer him to the more important post.