HC Deb 26 June 1922 vol 155 cc1680-1W
Sir K. FRASER

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the name of the non-service publicity officer engaged on a five years' contract in his Department; whether he is aware that an ex-service man with the requisite qualifications and experience could be obtained for this work; and whether, in view of the Government's repeated pledges and the recommendations of the Lytton Report, he will take steps to obtain an ex-service man for this post?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply of the 29th March to the hon. Member for East Islington (Mr. Raper), of which I am sending him a copy. I may add that the recommendations of the Lytton Committee as regards my Department have been fully carried out, and at present, of the temporary male staff of the Ministry, about 99 per cent. are ex-service men.

Sir K. FRASER

asked the Postmaster-General what is the name of the non-service intelligence officer in his Department; whether he has refused to substitute him on the ground that he did his best to join the Army; whether this reason is inadmissible under the Lytton Report; whether representations have been made to him by the Secretary to the Treasury that a disabled officer with suitable qualifications and excellent testimonials is available for this post; and whether, in view of the Government's pledges to give priority of employment to ex-service, men, he will now reconsider this matter?

Mr. PEASE

Mr. Chapman was appointed intelligence officer in the Post Office on the grounds of his experience of Government publicity work in another Government Department, for which he was engaged during the War. I have received representations from a number of quarters, but in the circumstances of the case I do not consider that it would be in the public interest to make a change in the appointment.

Sir R. GREENE

asked the Postmaster-General whether the publicity officer who is at present working at the General Post Office, and who did not serve in the late War, was appointed subsequent to the adoption of the Lytton Report; and, seeing that he was appointed because no ex-service men with sufficient experience were available, can he see his way to interview any ex-service candidates for such a position who may have become available from other Government offices, if their qualifications are satisfactory?

Mr. PEASE

Yes, Sir, the intelligence officer was appointed subsequent to the adoption of the Lytton Report, in view of the special qualifications for this work which he had obtained in another Government Department. Having regard to his knowledge of the activities of the Post Office and of the duties required of him, I do not consider it would be in the public interest to replace him by another candidate who would have no such experience.