§ 53. Mr. Price-Whiteasked the Minister of Food to how many members of the staff of his Department was a circular letter dated 12th October, 1948, sent by his Establishment Department of the Ministry at Colwyn Bay; why, in view of the length of service of many of the recipients of that letter, the allegation of inefficiency and notice of transfer to other duties contained in it were conveyed both to the recipients of the letter and those in authority over them; and is he aware of the unrest which the sending of the letter has caused amongst his Department's staff at Colwyn Bay.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe circular letter was sent to 33 officers in Colwyn Bay. The procedure adopted was agreed with the representatives of the Staff side of 858 the Departmental Whitley Council. The officers affected may, if they wish, appeal in the ordinary way.
§ Mr. Price-WhiteIs not the hon. Lady aware that the majority of the 33 officers concerned have been employed for a number of years, and is it not rather disquieting to find that it has taken all that time to find out whether they are efficient or not? Does not the inefficiency of senior officers disturb her?
§ Dr. SummerskillNo. The hon. Gentleman must remember that a number of these people were taken on during the war when we had little choice. Now we are determined to maintain the efficiency of my Department and inefficient people cannot regard the Ministry of Food as a safe harbour.
§ Mr. Price-WhiteWill not the hon. Lady inform us that there is a good deal of chaff and that she is, in her answer, admitting, at long last, that there are too many people employed and that they have too little work?
§ Dr. SummerskillI am admitting, as I have always admitted, that we keep an eye on the inefficient.
§ Mr. Price-WhiteIn view of the very unsatisfactory and indefensible nature of the reply of the hon. Lady I ask her to welcome the intimation that I shall raise this point as soon as possible on the Adjournment.