asked the Prime Minister whether he will be prepared to publish a list of all posts created since August, 1914, with the names and qualifications of the occupants of such posts and indicating in what way they secured their appointments?

The answer is in the negative. The value of such a return would not, in my opinion, be commensurate with the amount of work that its preparation would involve.

Is this request refused because of the shortage of paper?

It is refused on account of the work which it would involve.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the public impression is that many of those posts are filled by persons who could not command their present salaries in the open market?

That may be the hon. Member's impression, but I should be very sorry if it were the general impression, and I believe it to be quite unjustified. There is great difficulty in getting suitable people, and many of them are working for nothing.