§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the recent appointments and promotions to the grade of divisional inspector under the National Health Commission (England), how many of those appointed or promoted were, previous to their entry, in the service of the Commission and how many were employed in the service of the Board of Customs and Excise; how many were possessed of qualifications in friendly society work, trade union work, public health work, and social work, respectively; whether before promotion any inquiry was made to ascertain whether insurance committees had received any and, if so, what assistance from those whom it was proposed to promote; and whether the ability to render assistance to insurance committees or approved societies or the possession of qualifications in trade union, friendly society, or public health work is regarded as constituting a claim for promotion or appointment on the outdoor staff of the Commission?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNine of the ten divisional inspectors were in the service of the Insurance Commission (two of them in a temporary capacity) before appointment to that rank. Four were formerly in the service of the Board of Customs and Excise. Three had previous experience of friendly society work, one of trades union work, one of public health work, and eight of social work. Such qualifications were sought in the original recruitment of the staff, but it is clear that the selection of individual inspectors to be made divisional inspectors must depend both upon proved efficiency in the work of the inspectorate and the possession of those special characteristics needed in a divisional officer responsible for a considerable area and staff. This work includes giving to insurance committees and approved societies any assistance that they may require.