HC Deb 30 March 1922 vol 152 c1560W
Mr. RAPER

asked the Financial Secretary to the War office why the publicity officer appointed by him was not engaged through the Joint Substitution Board, according to Treasury instructions; why a non-service man was selected; what efforts were made to secure a qualified ex-service man; whether the post was advertised; if not, how was this official obtained; whether, at the present time, numerous trained journalists, fully qualified for this post, who have served with His Majesty's Forces, are at present unemployed; and will he undertake to make inquiries through the Joint Substitution Board, with a view to obtaining an ex-service man for this post?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The present head of the Information Section of the War Office was appointed as long ago as April, 1919,i.e., 18 months before the Joint Substitution Board was set up. He was over age for military service during the War, and in view of his very special qualifications for his present duties, I do not think it would be in the public interest to replace him.