HC Deb 09 March 1925 vol 181 cc961-2W
Sir J. MARRIOTT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the ex-soldier clerks who passed the examination for permanent posts, clerical and Departmental, in July, 1924, can be immediately absorbed in their present posts without sitting for the Southborough examination?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The examination of July, 1924, was held only for vacancies in the ex-soldier clerk class of the War Office, which is entirely a Departmental class. A candidate who passed the qualifying standard is not eligible for posts in the clerical class of the Civil Service without sitting for the Southborough examination, but vacancies in the ex-soldier clerk class of the War Office will be filled up to 1st April, 1926, by men taken in order of merit from the list of candidates who qualified at the July examination. At present this class is up to the approved strength, and I regret, therefore, that the immediate absorption of further members is not possible.