HC Deb 02 April 1912 vol 36 cc1146-7W
Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department who has the nominating of the ushers and assistant ushers in the Metropolitan police courts; is the competition to which they are subjected a competitive examination; if so, in what subjects; and will he issue a regulation that these positions should be in the future open to competition without nomination?

Mr. McKENNA

Assistant ushers are appointed by the Secretary of State, subject to a qualifying examination held by the Civil Service Commissioners. The majority of the vacancies in recent years have been filled by ex-soldiers. Vacancies for ushers are filled by promotion from the class of assistant ushers. I see no reason for any change of practice.