§ Lord APSLEYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the fact that the French Government is ceasing recruitment for its own civil service for a given period in the interests of economy; and 2034W whether he will watch this experiment with the object of adopting some similar policy in this country?
§ Major ELLIOTI have seen a reference in the Press to the matter referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the arrangements in this country, new appointments, whether by recruitment of new personnel or by transfer, are being made by Departments only where the clearest need exists and my Noble Friend may rest assured that this policy will continue to be strictly observed. Having regard, amongst other considerations, to the inevitable wastage of existing personnel the complete cessation of recruitment is not, I think, practicable, nor would it serve the purpose which my Noble Friend has in mind.