§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in face of the prevailing unemployment amongst all sections of the community, the Treasury will consider, when engaging temporary or permanent officials, the advisability of employing persons competent to fulfil the required duties who are not in receipt of Government allowances or pensions exceeding the sum of £250 per year?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERSubject in all cases to considerations of the efficiency of the Service, I understand that, in the selection of persons for appointment to or retention in temporary employment, all possible preference 2183W is given, having regard to the exceptional circumstances of the present time, to those not in possession of appreciable private means. In this connection Government pensions (excluding disability pensions) would be taken into account. It is not the practice, nor do I think that it would be desirable, to have regard to private means in selecting candidates for established posts, which are usually filled by competitive examination.