HC Deb 29 July 1937 vol 326 cc3307-8
55. Mr. Pickthorn

asked the Minister of Health whether he is able to report any progress in the direction of implementing the recommendation of the Hadow Committee on local government officers for the establishment of a standing committee to advise local authorities in matters relating to the recruitment of their staffs?

Sir K. Wood

I have conferred with the associations concerned and proposals for the establishment of this committee have been drawn up by an informal committee and have been submitted to the London County Council and the associations. These proposals have been accepted by the London County Council, by the Associations of County Councils, Urban District and Rural District Councils, and by the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing Joint Committee, but I regret to say that at a meeting held last week the Council of the Municipal Corporations Association decided that they would not participate in the scheme.

Mr. Ede

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman will feel compelled to drop the scheme, or will he commence it with the comparatively wide range of opinion he has managed to bring within it?

Sir K. Wood

I regret that the Municipal Corporations Association have not seen their way to participate, but I see no reason why it should not go on.