§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the objection raised by writing assistants and typists in the Civil Service at the recent declaration of the Civil Service Commission that 750 boys and girls are to be introduced into the Civil Service from the recent open competition for the clerical grade; and whether steps will be taken to ensure that the introduction of outside candidates shall not retard the prospects of advancement of the sub-clerical grades?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMembers of the sub-clerical grades (including writing34W assistants and typists) are eligible on their merits for promotion to the general or departmental clerical classes. This eligibility is not affected by the declaration referred to, the number of candidates to be appointed from the open competition being no more than is necessary to meet the requirements of the public service after due regard has been paid to the claims to promotion of suitable officers already serving.