§ Sir J. LEIGHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that a wounded ex-service clerk has been given official notice that [...]is services are no longer required by the Forestry Commission, and that the services of a temporary woman clerk are being retained; whether this temporary or unestablished woman clerk's name appears on the current salary lists of the Forestry Commission as receiving £250 per annum, and why this woman's position should not be filled by a well recommended wounded ex-service temporary clerk under notice who has a wife and young family in need of his support?
§ Mr. FORESTIER-WALKERI have-been asked to take over this question. Owing to reductions in the Forestry Commission's expenditure the staff is being considerably reduced, and among those under notice is a wounded ex-service clerk. The woman who, I assume, is the temporary or unestablished woman clerk referred to, is being retained, and her salary is £250 inclusive per annum. She is employed in a confidential capacity as 2295W private secretary and personal assistant to the Chairman and the Commissioners. Appointments to such posts are at any time a matter of personal selection, and personal qualifications and experience are obviously of the first importance. The male clerk in question would be unsuitable for the post.