HC Deb 03 December 1946 vol 431 cc207-8
48. Major Lloyd

asked the Lord President of the Council how many women are being employed by his Department in putting questions to building operatives; if he will give a list of these questions and state their purpose and the annual cost of this procedure.

Mr. H. Morrison

Two women psychologists are being employed by the Medical research Council, for the purpose referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, at a total approximate cost of £1,000 per annum, as part of an investigation undertaken at the request of the Ministry of Works. The purpose is to ascertain facts likely to be helpful in promoting the well-being and efficiency of workers in the building industry. The questions may be in any form considered suitable for eliciting the required information about work and working conditions and the effect of these on the men. The inquiries are made only after full consultation and with the approval of representatives of the industry, including both management and workers and have been very well received.

Major Lloyd

Is the House to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the human efficiency panel of the Ministry of Works consists only of two women? If so, would the right hon. Gentleman say what are the qualifications of those women for those highly competitive posts?

Mr. Morrison

These ladies do not constitute the human efficiency panel. The methods used by the investigators are approved by the human efficiency panel. I am informed that the ladies concerned are competent for this work.

Major Lloyd

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is really necessary to have a human efficiency panel at all?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. The more I look at hon. Gentlemen opposite the more I think so

Mr. Churchill

That is worthy of the right hon. Gentleman at his best.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Will the right hon. Gentleman also glance to his right, and inform the House whether the psychological processes will be applied to the Minister of Health?

Mr. Morrison

I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that these processes will be applied to everybody.