HC Deb 28 July 1942 vol 382 cc340-1W
Mr. N. Bower

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken in his Department during the past 12 months to ensure that merit and not seniority is the governing factor in promotions and appointments; and whether he can supply a list of officers and civil servants in key positions of importance in the War Office who are under the age of 45?

Sir J. Grigg

During the past year a system of interviewing civilian officials, before they are recommended for promotion, has become general in the War Office. Appointments of civil servants to the Department from outside, for all but the lowest grades, are made on the recommendation of selection boards, which interview candidates provided by the Ministry of Labour and National Service. Staff and senior military officers are chosen for wartime appointments and promotion on merit, by selection boards which examine the qualifications of officers and appoint those most suitable, consulting all confidential reports on them. With regard to the second part of the Question, out of 136 military appointments in the War Office down to deputy directors, 21 are held by officers under 45, while out of 75 civil posts of principal and above, 25 are held by men under 45.

Mr. Gledhill

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of motor-cars and drivers available for staff officers at the War Office; for how many hours per week such motor-cars are available; and what is the mileage run per motor-car?

Sir J. Grigg

Seventy-seven cars are available at all times for the use of staff officers and officials of the War Office. Ninety-six drivers operate and maintain them. The average mileage is 1,000 miles a car a month.