§ 57. Sir A. Southbyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the functions of the Royal Naval and Royal Marine Civil Employment Committee were transferred to the Ministry of Labour.
Mr. AlexanderThe change was made because it was thought that the functions could be carried out more effectively if full use could be made of the machinery of the Ministry of Labour and in particular of the Appointments organisation of that Department.
§ Sir A. SouthbyDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is not only the privilege but the duty of the Admiralty to assume responsibility for providing jobs after the war for ex-naval officers and men; and would not their interests be better looked after if he maintained this duty, instead of turning it over to the Ministry of Labour?
Mr. AlexanderIt has been felt, after due consultation with the Ministry of Labour, that that Ministry's Appointments Branch has a very wide knowledge of appointments available, and, of course, we shall continue to keep in touch with them.
§ 58. Sir A. Southbyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many naval officers and ratings have been appointed to the Appointments Office in Sardinia House to assist in the placing of ex-naval personnel.
§ Sir A. SouthbyCould my right hon. Friend say what staff the officers have got, and whether they are naval or civilian staff?
Mr. AlexanderThere is no staff attached to them. It is the same practice which is followed by all the Service Departments.