HC Deb 10 June 1942 vol 380 cc1052-4
43. Mr. Parker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings how far site or job committees now operate on work done for the Government; whether he is satisfied that they assist the war effort; and what policy his Department adopt towards them?

Mr. Hicks

I have not information about all Government building sites, but on sites on which work is being carried out under the supervision of my Department there are already 42 site committees, of which 36 are composed of representatives of employers and operatives, and six of representatives of operatives only. I am satisfied that such committees are of value in the war effort. The policy of my Department is not to impose the establishment of such committees on the building and civil engineering industries, but to welcome their appointment when the initiative is taken by the industry.

44. Mr. Bossom

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether his Ministry has applied to the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Institute of Civil Engineers and the Auctioneers and Estate Agents Institute for experienced men who would not be affected by the call-up and who could suitably undertake the tasks now performed by the 750 young professional and technical staff in his Department who are medically fit and below the age of reservation?

Mr. Hicks

As I informed my hon. Friend on 21st May last, of the professional and technical staff who were below the age of reservation when they registered for military service 126 are to be released, 48 are medically unfit for service and 130 are still under consideration for release, leaving a balance of approximately 500. The Ministry recruits its staff in the main through the Central Register of the Ministry of Labour and National Service, who are in constant touch with all the professional Institutes.

Mr. Bossom

Will the Minister tell me when the Ministry of Works and Buildings applied to any of these institutions to get people who could do this work?

Mr. Hicks

My answer was that we recruited our staff in the main through the Central Register of the Ministry of Labour, who are in constant touch with the bodies mentioned by the hon. Member.

Sir H. Williams

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Central Register has ceased to exist and is now called something different?

Mr. Bossom

Will my hon. Friend look into this matter, because these institutions do not know that they have ever been asked for people for this work?