HC Deb 03 August 1939 vol 350 cc2605-7
29. Mr. Pickthorn

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who have enrolled in each of the main categories of the central register of persons with scientific, technical, professional, and higher administrative qualifications; whether these numbers are regarded as adequate; and the extent to which the register is being used in peace time?

Mr. E. Brown

As the reply is somewhat long, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

The numbers of volunteers enrolled in the main categories of the central register on 22nd July were as follow:
Scientific Research 6,456
Industrial Chemistry 4,743
General Engineering 20,907
Mining and Metallurgy 1,972
Accountancy 14,341
Architectural and Public Utilities 17,075
Universities and Teaching 4,617
Administration and Management 6,297
Linguists 1,299
Others 2,619
Total 80,326

The response has, in the main, been satisfactory, but some employers in certain of the more important categories have been reluctant to allow qualified members of their staff to volunteer. It is thought that this may be due to a misconception of the use to which the register would be put in war time. Machinery will then exist to determine priorities of national importance between different classes of work, and before volunteers already in employment are submitted for alternative posts, the observations of their employers will be carefully considered by expert committees appointed for the purpose. It is, therefore, hoped that in the national interest employers will encourage their qualified staffs to enrol on the register so that it may be equal to the calls made upon it in the event of war. It is to be remembered also that the register will be available in war time for the use of employers as well as of Government Departments and that in certain circumstances they may find it of great use for securing replacements of staff.

As the register is intended as a pool from which to draw qualified persons in war time, volunteers should not expect to be allocated to specific posts in advance of an emergency, although it is proving possible to do this in a comparatively small number of cases.