HC Deb 17 December 1942 vol 385 cc2072-3
73. Mr. W. Brown

asked the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances has one of his regional factory space inspectors in the Midlands appointed as his assistant at a salary of £500 per annum and motor-car expenses a man of military age with no experience, who resides in the same house; was this appointment made by advertisement and after reference to the qualifications of ex-Service men in the area; for how long his name appeared on the register of the Appointments Board; whether he will terminate it immediately and take appropriate action against officers in his Department who knowingly had any part in it?

Captain Waterhouse

I presume the hon. Member is referring to an officer appointed to fill a vacancy for an assistant in the North Midland Region of the Factory and Storage Premises Control. The salary paid is £450, not £500 as stated in the Question. There is no special allow- ance for motor-car expenses; provision is made for travelling under the regulations applicable to civil servants generally. No advertisement was made, as this officer was recommended by the Regional Factory Controller, he applied through the Ministry of Labour and National Service, was appointed on probation, and I have a satisfactory report on his work.

Mr. Brown

Does the Minister ask us to believe that it was not possible to get either a man above military age or a woman, and was he really restricted to getting a man of 31 or 32?

Captain Waterhouse

I do not ask the hon. Member to believe anything, but I state the facts as I know them.

Mr. Brown

Does the Minister consider that it is in accord with public policy that the Civil Service should be made a dumping ground for people to avoid military service?