HC Deb 16 December 1947 vol 445 cc1506-7
69. Captain John Crowder

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that employees of approved societies who are selected for employment in his Department are often appointed to posts of a status lower than the one they held in the society; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Employees of approved societies who apply for permanent posts in the Ministry of National Insurance are graded by the Civil Service Commissioners on the recommendation of selection boards appointed by them. The Boards, which include members with experience of approved society work, take into account the status and duties of the employees in the approved society as well as all other relevant factors.

Captain Crowder

Can the Financial Secretary say if the salary is the same in most cases?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I could not, because frequently the post in an approved society which an individual gives up is different from that which he takes up in the Ministry, but where the salary is lower, he has the right to compensation under Section 67 of the National Insurance Act, 1946.

Mr. Grimston

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that lower salaries are being given in many of these cases, and that there is much delay in granting compensation, which is causing considerable hardship?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Government Departments are short of staff, but if the hon. Member has any case in mind I will be glad to look into it and try to expedite it.

70. Mr. Dumpleton

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Civil Service Commission has informed members of approved society staffs who are being taken over by the Ministry of National Insurance that, as a condition of their employment, they must resign any positions they hold as elected representatives on local authorities and other public bodies; and whether he will give instructions for this condition to be rescinded.

71. Mr. Asterley Jones

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a district secretary of an approved society, whose name and address have been supplied to him, and who is a member of a county council and a borough council and is a justice of the peace, has been told that if he accepts a post within the Ministry of National Insurance he must resign all those offices; and whether he will amend the regulations so as to permit as many civil servants as possible to take part in public affairs.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

It is for the head of each Department to decide the conditions on which his staff may take part in local government, subject to the general principle that such activities should not interfere with official duties. My right hon. Friend the Minister of National Insurance desires to allow as great a measure of freedom to his staff in this respect as is consonant with their official position; but I understand that the general rules to be applied in his Department have not yet been settled and are to be discussed on the Departmental Whitley Council. Meanwhile, I understand that the particular case referred to by my hon. Friend, the Member for Hitchin (Mr. Asterley Jones) is still under consideration.