§ 64. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that 518 in some cases of applicants for posts in the Ministry of National Insurance the men are threatened with dismissal by the employers who have been notified of the application by the Civil Service Commission; and what steps he proposes to take to protect applicants for posts in Government Service from being victimised.
§ Mr. JayIt is not normally the practice of the Civil Service Commission to seek information or references from employers about applicants for Civil Service posts before the results of their application are announced. Under the scheme by which persons with part-time experience of national insurance or workmen's compensation work may be eligible for appointment to the Ministry of National Insurance, however, it is necessary for the Commission to make preliminary inquiries to determine eligibility.
I am aware that a few applicants have been threatened with dismissal when such inquiries were made. My right hon. and learned Friend strongly deplores this action, but regrets that he has no power to intervene.
§ Mr. DaviesWhile thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask if he is aware that in the explanatory memorandum sent out to applicants for posts under the Ministry of National Insurance, applicants are informed, in form A.S.F. 3A, paragraph 7, that letters will be sent to their employers? Is he aware that this is a subtle intimidation and victimisation and is losing the service of some of the best type of people for this new branch of the service?