§ 6. Mrs. Middletonasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he has yet appointed a regional director or chief officer for the South-West of England to administer the National Insurance Act; what remuneration is to be paid for this post; and what qualifications and experience the person appointed, or to be appointed, will be required to have.
§ The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. James Griffiths)The National Insurance Act, 1946, is not yet in operation, but for purposes of planning and preliminary operations I have appointed a number of regional controllers and deputy regional controllers, including a regional controller for the South-West Region. This appointment was made in December, 1946, and carries a salary scale of £1,220-£1,550. The qualifications of the officer appointed include experience of administration on a large scale in connection with insurance and social services.
§ Mrs. MiddletonWill the Minister give the House the name of the person concerned, and an indication of his qualifications? Will he also take steps, when further Press notices are made of appointments of this sort, to see that details of qualification and experience are included, so that the general public may know something about the people who are to undertake work of this character?
§ Mr. GriffithsDetails were issued to the Press, including biographical notes of the experience of this officer. The name of 784 the officer appointed is Mr. J. S. Pearce He has had many years' experience with the Ministry of Labour, and was a regional officer of the Assistance Board.