§ 2. Mr. William Brownasked the Minister of Labour whether he has registered for employment a list of trained journalists who have been discharged from the Forces as unfit or who are over military age; and whether he will cause Departments to use this list in order to replace 266 fit men of military age in their public relations sections?
§ Mr. BevinThe Appointments Department of the Ministry has on its register particulars of all journalists who care to enrol. Applications by any Government Department for the deferment of calling-up of civil servants whose duties entail journalistic experience are considered by Lord Kennet's Committee in the light of information as to the supply of suitably qualified substitutes from among persons upon the Appointments Register. Government Departments are required to notify any vacancy for persons with journalistic experience to the Appointments Department in order that if possible the names of apparently suitable persons may be submitted.
§ Mr. BrownIs the Minister sure that the conditions which he has specified are in fact carried out by the Government Departments, and is it not the case that appointments are made without reference to the Central Register?
§ Mr. BevinI have no information to that effect, but if any is brought to my attention, I will take it up with the Department concerned.