HC Deb 06 August 1947 vol 441 cc1443-5
23. Colonel Wheatley

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if, in view of the shortage of scientific staff in Government service, he will consider permitting members of the scientific staff of the Armament Supply Department of the Admiralty, established or not, who are qualified for inclusion in the Scientific Civil Service, to transfer to other scientific departments should they so desire.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)

In considering applications by employees to transfer to other departments, it is necessary to have regard to the requirements of the duties on which they are engaged at the time. A number of employees of the Armament Supply Department have already been released for employment in Scientific services elsewhere, and the point has been reached where further releases may be detrimental to the efficiency of the department. While, therefore, no unqualified undertaking to release further applicants can be given, any application for release by an officer whose services would be useful in a scientific capacity to another department will, none the less, receive full consideration in the light of the relevant circumstances.

25. Colonel Wheatley

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is yet able to say when the promised decision will be announced regarding the revised salary scales of scientific officers on production duties in the Armament Supply branch of his Department.

Mr. W. Edwards

I regret that I am at the moment unable to add to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member on this subject on 23rd April. Consideration is proceeding with every desire to reach an early conclusion but this is a complicated and difficult matter.

Colonel Wheatley

Does not the Civil Lord think 10 months a long time to give consideration to this question? Does he not realise how disappointed people are in this Department at the long delay in getting what they feel is their due?

Mr. Edwards

As I told the hon. and gallant Gentleman on a previous occasion when he asked a question, it is my desire to get the matter speeded up at the earliest opportunity, but the matter concerns more than one Department. I am trying to do what I can. It may please the hon. and gallant Member to know that whatever decision is reached will be made retrospective.