§ 12. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Minister of Labour what steps the bankers' committee has taken to ensure the efficient use of man-power in banks and the greatest possible release of bank men and women for employment elsewhere; whether consultations have taken place; and whether the Bank Officers' Guild has been invited to co-operate in this?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. McCorquodale)As a result of consultations which have taken place between the Treasury, my Department, and a committee representing the Clearing House banks, arrangements have been made for the release of a large number of men for the Forces resulting in a retention by the Clearing House banks of approximately 45 per cent. of their total pre-war male clerical staff. Men in other banks, including the Bank of England, are called 328 up for the Forces subject to deferment being granted on the recommendation of the Treasury to those who are indispensable. In addition, arrangements have been made for all banks to release women employees in the 20–21 age groups except certain women with special qualifications. The Bank Officers' Guild have been kept informed of these arrangements at all stages.
§ Mr. HallWhy has this Guild not been taken into consultation, in view of the fact that it is ready to help in the release of these people?
§ Mr. McCorquodaleI understand that the arrangements have been working very satisfactorily.
§ Mr. McCorquodaleThat is another question.