§ 41. Captain BERKELEYasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the prospective amalgamation of the East and West Midland regions, he is prepared to pool the existing staffs of both regions for the purpose of selecting the staff for the new combined region?
§ Major TRYONAs stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. G. Spencer) on the 17th instant, I hope to be able to offer employment in Birmingham or in some other part of the Ministry to every competent officer displaced at Nottingham; but, should the number of volunteers for transfer to Birmingham exceed the requirements, I will bear in mind the hon. and gallant Gentleman's suggestion.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKCannot the right hon. Gentleman give me an assurance that the staff at Nottingham will be treated on an absolute equality?
§ Major TRYONI have already given an assurance that the staff will be fairly treated wherever they may be.
§ Captain BERKELEYBefore the right hon. Gentleman comes to any final decision in the matter, will he be prepared to receive representatives of the men concerned?
§ Major TRYONI do not think I can agree that the staff of a particular district have the right to decide whether we form two regions or one.