HC Deb 19 November 1946 vol 430 cc666-7
23. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister of Labour why he has set up an advisory council for the Appointments Department.

Mr. Isaacs

I have set up this council because I felt that the advice of representatives of industry, commerce, the trade unions and the Services on this problem would be an invaluable aid to the Department in providing the best possible service.

Sir J. Mellor

Will the Minister particularly direct the attention of the committee to the fact that the Department has recently cost well over £10 for each vacancy filled?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir, and I would also direct the committee's attention to the fact that it is jolly well worth the money.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why this advisory council was not set up months ago?

Mr. Isaacs

The council was not set up to advise the Department on how to constitute the machinery, but how to operate the machinery. We had the advice of another committee in regard to construction, and now that we have the material to sell, these gentlemen are acting as salesmen and advisers to us. We have already placed 40,000 people.