§ 66. Mr. W. J. BROWNasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that all the temporary clerks in the clearing office, Enemy Debts Department, have been given notice of discharge to take effect from 30th August; what is the average length of service of the officers concerned; and whether he can give an assurance that alternative employment in the Civil Service will be available for these officers before the notice of discharge expires?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. Smith)The progress in the work of the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts enables a further reduction to be made in the routine staff at the end of August. Sixteen temporary Grade III Clerks have been warned that their appointments will terminate on the 30th August. The average length of Government service of these 16 men is 10 years. Their 1592 names have been reported to the Joint Substitution Board, and there is good reason to expect that alternative employment will be available for them.
§ 68. Mr. W. J. BROWNasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that notices of discharge have been served on some 16 temporary clerks in the Clearing Office, Enemy Debts Department, he will arrange that no further recruitment of boys and girls of adolescent age through open competitive examinations shall take place in any department of the Civil Service until these officers have been found posts?
§ Mr. WILLIAM WHITELEYI have been asked to reply. While no difficulty is anticipated in finding in normal cases further employment without break in service for the temporary clerks whose work in the Enemy Debts Department is coming to an end in August, the requirements of the public service make the hon. Member's suggestion quite impracticable.