§ Mr. Michael McGuireasked the Minister for the Civil Service what was the total cost of advertising in the national daily newspapers for the position of a 141W store assistant or trainee store assistant at HMSO; why this vacancy had to be advertised in this way; what steps he intends to take to prevent this from being repeated; and if he will make a statement on the guidelines to be followed when similar positions need to be filled.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThe cost was £2,494.24. I am informed that the advertisement covered several impending vacancies and was placed in accordance with the normal rule that all Civil Service vacancies must be advertised in order that they are filled on merit by fair and open competition. I cannot, however, justify the excessive scale of these particular advertisements, and instructions have now been given that all future advertising is on an appropriate scale with due regard for economy.