HC Deb 17 February 1943 vol 386 cc1740-2
62. Mr. W. Brown

asked the Minister of Supply what position is held in the North Midland Region, at Nottingham, by Mr. Martin Woodroffe and at what salary; when and by whom he was selected; whether the appointment was advertised or open to any and what competition; whether, in view of his lack of experience and the criticism this appointment has brought forth in present war conditions, he will take steps to end it; and whether, in the interest of public economy, he will consider doing away with this office?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Sandys)

This official holds the post of Ministry of Supply Works Relations Officer for the North Midlands Region. His salary is £700 a year. His name, together with a number of others, was submitted by the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour and National Service to a Selection Board of the Ministry of Supply, who recommended his appointment in July last. I am satisfied that these Regional Works Relations Officers are definitely of assistance to production and that it would, therefore, be false economy to abolish these posts.

Mr. Brown

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that this case is regarded as a gross case of nepotism in the service, and will he take steps to cancel the appointment and see that no similar appointments of the kind are made?

Mr. Sandys

The appointment was made through the normal machinery of the Ministry of Labour. This officer's name, together with a number of others, was submitted by the Ministry of Labour to the Selection Board of the Ministry of Supply, who recommended the appointment. It has been done in a perfectly normal fashion, and I have not heard any complaints about the manner in which he has discharged his functions.

Mr. Brown

In submitting the name, was there a specific recommendation of the Department in favour of this particular individual?

Mr. Sandys

No, Sir.

Captain C. S. Taylor

Is it not very unfair to put down a Question of this nature, and is it not very likely that it is inspired by personal malice?

Mr. Brown

Is the Minister aware that I do not even know the individual and have never seen him? My sole concern here, as in other questions, is to prevent the Civil Service being degraded by appointments which in the ordinary way would never be made and which ought not to be made now.