HC Deb 02 December 1947 vol 445 cc183-4
31. Captain Crowder

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that distress is being caused to old-established employees of approved societies who are receiving notices from his Ministry to the effect that no appointment can be offered to them in his Department, and that no decision has yet been reached regarding the terms and conditions governing eligibility for compensation; and how soon he will be able to make a statement regarding compensation to former approved society staffs who cannot be offered employment in his Ministry, so as to put an end to the existing uncertainty.

The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. James Griffiths)

The interviewing and selecting of these candidates for posts in my Department is in the hands of the Civil Service Commission, and the proportion of rejections is less than 2½ per cent. Pending the final settlement of the detailed terms of compensation, I am arranging for provisional sums to be paid on account, and regulations for this purpose will be laid before the House as soon as possible.

Captain Crowder

Is the Minister aware that his Department are writing letters to employees of approved societies who cannot be taken over by his Department stating not only that they cannot say how much compensation is to be paid, but whether any compensation can be paid at all?

Mr. Griffiths

The final terms of compensation have not yet been settled. Pending the final settlement, I am arranging in such cases to pay the provisional amounts.