asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport, in view of the fact that only one of the divisional road haulage officers, none of their assistants, and very few area road haulage officers were appointed from the Ministry of Labour Appointments Department, by what means, and by whom, in respect of all parts of the country, the others were chosen; by what advertisement or other media or competitive selection; and what steps were taken to bring these appointments to the notice of suitable ex-Servicemen?
One divisional road haulage officer was promoted from a lower rank; ten were appointed after consultation with the industry, and after consideration by my Department of other candidates who had the experience and the qualities required. Twenty-two area road haulage officers were promoted from other posts under the Ministry; thirteen were transferred from Wholesale Meat Transport Association or from the Hauliers National Traffic Pool. Eight had applied for consideration or were recommended from various sources. These eight candidates were considered together with 300 candidates submitted by the appointments department of the Ministry of Labour, of whom 63 were interviewed and eight were chosen. The appointments department of the Ministry of Labour brought to our notice ex-Servicemen on their books with suitable qualifications. The posts were not advertised, but the industry was generally aware, and the Ministry of Labour were advised that there were a number of vacancies to be filled. Candidates were interviewed by a suitably constituted selection or promotion board.