§ 61. Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research recently advertised in "Engineering" for a tracer to be employed at Watford, the wage offered being from 30s. to 50s. weekly; that the advertisement stated that preference would be given to an ex-service man; and whether, in view of the inadequacy of the wage offered and the general rates paid for tracing work, he will have the figure raised to one more in keeping with adult needs?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)I have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware of the advertisement referred to and that it stated that preference would be given to ex-service men. 2036 It is the general practice to include this statement in the Departments advertisements, but it was inappropriate in this case and should not have been included. The vacancy was suited to a junior (male or female) with little experience, and the range of initial pay was fixed accordingly and not with reference to an adult. A junior (age 17) is being offered the post.