§ 15. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he has yet arranged to obtain volunteers from other Departments to work in his new office in Newcastle instead of existing members of his staff who have strong claims not to be sent there.
§ The Minister of National Insurance (Sir William Jowitt)I am pot yet ready to invite volunteers for this purpose, but I will do so at the proper time.
§ Mr. KeelingMay we take it that civil servants in other Departments will be given a chance to volunteer for his Department as soon as his new office in Newcastle approaches completion?
§ Sir W. JowittYes, if other things make it desirable.
§ Sir Woven WakefieldIf it is not possible to obtain volunteers, will they be directed?
§ Sir W. JowittIt may be necessary in certain cases.
§ Colonel GreenwellIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in case of any difficulty he can obtain a satisfactory supply of volunteers from the North-East coast area?
§ Sir W. JowittCertainly. New recruits to the office, once it is established, will be obtained largely from local sources.
§ Mr. W. J. BrownWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider concentrating new recruits to the Service as a whole on this new Ministry in Newcastle with a view to permitting as many civil 613 servants as possible who go there and want to come back to London to be in a position to do so?
§ Sir W. JowittYes, I shall do everything I can to consult the wishes and interests of civil servants provided that I do not in any way prejudice the setting up of the office.
§ Mr. GlanvilleIs it not a fact that during the war period men and women are being sent all over the country to jobs that they do not care for? Why should we have all this fuss about civil servants?