HC Deb 01 February 1945 vol 407 cc1601-3
8. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet approved any scheme for the recruitment and training of ex-Servicemen and women for employment on the technical and professional staffs of local authorities in the post-war period.

Mr. Bevin

Schemes of this nature are not my responsibility, except in so far as awards under the Further Education and Training Scheme are concerned. I understand, however, that a special scheme for the training of sanitary inspectors has been worked out by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health, in consultation with the Royal Sanitary Institute and Sanitary Inspectors' Examination Joint Board and the Sanitary Inspectors' Association and I have agreed that ex-Servicemen and women accepted for this training would, if otherwise eligible, qualify for awards under the Further Education and Training Scheme.

Mr. Lipson

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the Sanitary Inspectors' Association have given a splendid lead to other professional organisations; and will he not ask them to do all they can to train ex-Servicemen and women for important work in connection with local government?

Mr. Bevin

As I explained in the opening part of my answer, the real work has to be done by the Minister of Health; all I have to do is to sanction the grant for the further education for which he asks.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in most of these professions a premium is required, and that his Department is not now capable of paying that premium under the Further Education Scheme?

Mr. Bevin

I would like notice of that question.

44. Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that more than 60 per cent. of the vacant appointments advertised by local authorities during the past two months are stated to be permanent appointments, he will communicate with all local authorities calling their attention to the desirability of making appointments of a temporary character during the war to ensure that the prospects of promotion of the local government officers who are serving in His Majesty's Forces are not prejudiced.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Willink)

I have every sympathy with my hon. Friend's purpose. I have no doubt that local authorities generally are fully aware of the importance of securing that purpose so far as possible, but I propose to draw the attention of the local government associations to the terms of this Question and answer and to suggest that they might be given suitable publicity.

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