HC Deb 07 December 1944 vol 406 cc715-7
71. Mr. Kirby

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many C.D. workers have been accepted for overseas service with U.N.R.R.A.; whether recruiting from the C.D. service is being proceeded with; and has it been made clear to the staffs of employment exchanges that certain categories of C.D. workers are needed for service with U.N.R.R.A.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. George Hall)

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that U.N.R.R.A. does not recruit for Civil Defence overseas and no request has been made by the Administration for a general appeal for recruits from Civil Defence. Categories of workers required have, however, been notified to the Ministry of Labour and National Service, who are thus able to give guidance to members of the Civil Defence Services who may be interested. In addition, at the suggestion of U.N.R.R.A. particulars of certain administrative and welfare appointments in the organisation overseas have been brought to the notice of some of the larger local authorities who, it was thought, might be able to recommend suitable candidates, either from among those in their employment in connexion with Civil Defence, or from members of the Civil Defence Services. Of the candidates thus secured, five have been selected by U.N.R.R.A. for appointment and 54 will shortly be interviewed. The names of a small number of selected volunteers for certain other duties are also being obtained from the Civil Defence Reserve, and, through the Regional Office, from local authorities in London.

Mr. Kirby

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that members of the Civil Defence force who have volunteered for this service have been told by officers at the employment exchanges that they have no knowledge of U.N.R.R.A.?

Mr. Hall

I am rather surprised at that because it is the Ministry of Labour and National Service who recruit them. Applications for employment must be through that Ministry.

Mr. John Dugdale

Do the qualifications necessary include a university degree?

Mr. Hall

No. I think those most suitable for the work are selected.

Mr. Kirby

May I have an answer to my question? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that members of the Civil Defence force have applied for these jobs and have been told by the clerks at the employment exchange that they know nothing about it?

Mr. Hall

If the hon. Member will communicate with the Ministry of Labour and National Service, who are responsible for the recruitment of these persons, he may get satisfaction.