HC Deb 11 March 1936 vol 309 cc2137-8W
Mr. McENTEE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the fee payable by each candidate for Civil Service examinations; the exact nature of the expenses incurred in holding such examinations; and why, considering the large number of examinees, the cost of holding examinations should be more than the fees received?

Mr. W. S. MORRISON

The fees payable by candidates at Civil Service examinations range from 2s. 6d. in the case of candidates for such situations as postman and telephonist to £8 in the case of candidates for appointments of the administrative group. The amount of the fee charged varies according to the salary and prospects attached to the situation concerned. The chief expenses incurred in holding the examinations are for the preparation of question-papers and the valuation of candidates' work, the conduct of oral and practical tests, and the provision of accommodation and supervision at the various centres of examination throughout the country. To ensure that receipts from fees should be sufficient to cover the whole cost of the Department, including overhead expenses, would involve increases in the fees payable by large numbers of candidates for the subordinate classes of, for example, postmen, messengers, workmen, in whose cases the fees charged are not fixed on a strictly economic basis.