HC Deb 28 February 1922 vol 151 cc284-5W
Captain TERRELL

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether examinations are still being held for admission to the Civil Service; and whether, as it is clear that the numbers of the Civil Service will have to be considerably reduced as it is, he will consider the advisability of refraining from adding to the already existing numbers of officials?

Mr. YOUNG

Examinations for certain classes in the Civil Service are still being held or are contemplated, but for the greater number of classes examinations are in suspense for the reasons suggested in the question. Such examinations as are being held are for subordinate positions in which, having regard to the large number of posts covered by temporary personnel, there is no fear of redundancy, and in which the conversion of some temporary into permanent staff leads to efficiency in administration, and to economy of force. Certain of the examinations are being held in fulfilment of the Government's pledges to ex-service men.