HC Deb 28 September 1909 vol 11 cc1075-6
Mr. RENTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated number of officials, established and non-established, including non-pensionable employés, to be appointed by his Department in connection with the Trades Boards and the Labour Exchanges Bills?

Mr. CHURCHILL

In the Financial Statement already presented to Parliament (Cd. 4,710), it is estimated that the staff of all grades which will eventually be required in connection with Labour Exchanges when the system is in full working order will be somewhat over 800. These officers will, of course, be only gradually appointed, and probably only about a quarter or a third will be appointed during the present financial year. The staff to be appointed in connection with Trade Boards must depend on the Trade Boards which are not yet constituted, but it is likely to be small in number.

Mr. WATSON RUTHERFORD

May I ask whether the appointments will be advertised, so that any eligible people can apply?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think the appointments in the Labour Exchanges have been effectively advertised, judging by the number of applications, and as for the Trade Boards, I am inclined to think that the appointments are very few in number, and I am not inclined to think that open advertisements will be necessary.

Mr. WATSON RUTHERFORD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware if these appointments were advertised and the conditions attached to the appointments it would lead to applications from the right people?

Mr. SUMMERBELL

Do I understand most of the Labour Exchange officials are to be appointed before, the Exchanges are opened?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think a great number will have to be appointed before the Exchanges can be opened, otherwise we could not open the Exchanges.

Mr. WATT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long it will be before the superior appointments are made by him?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am engaged at the present time in endeavouring to get together a certain staff to begin the very heavy administrative work which must be undertaken without delay to bring the Act into operation early in the year. Perhaps in two or three weeks a few appointments will be made, but they will not by any means cover the whole ground, even in the grade to which they refer.

Mr. W. THORNE

Would any of these berths be open to Members of Parliament?

Mr. CHURCHILL

If they were suitable?