§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that there are a number of temporary clerks' associations which are concerned as to the methods to be adopted for the selection of the P class; that there is grave apprehension among them as to the machinery to be utilised for the purpose; whether he will, before selecting such machinery, ascertain the views of the staff side of the National Whitley Council for the Civil Service and, in addition, the opinions of the associations affected; and whether use will be made of the promotions machinery instituted under the Whitley system with the approval of the Government?
§ Mr. R. McNEILLThe methods to be adopted for the selection of ex-service temporary clerks for permanent non-pensionable employment have already been discussed with the appropriate association. I am not aware that there is any apprehension among the clerks concerned on the subject, and I see no sufficient reason for consulting the National Whitley Council upon which they are not effectively represented. As regards the last part of the question, as the arrangements do not involve any question of promotions, the machinery instituted under the Whitley system for that purpose would not appear to be applicable.