HC Deb 25 January 1940 vol 356 cc750-1
14. Mr. Batey

asked the Minister of Labour why so many persons in receipt of large salaries or pensions should be employed for additional payments in the air-raid precautions and other new Departments instead of employing some of the large army of unemployed who are qualified for the work?

Mr. Assheton

The responsibility for the appointment of staff rests with the Minister in charge of the particular Department, to whom accordingly any such Question as that put by the hon. Member should be addressed.

Mr. Batey

Is it not the duty of the Minister of Labour, seeing that there is such a large army of unemployed, to try and get some of them into these posts instead of the people who are in receipt of big salaries or pensions?

Mr. Assheton

I have already pointed out that the responsibility for appointments must rest with the Minister of the Department concerned.