§ 58. Mr. Cooperasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what policy is followed when reductions in the staff of the Ministries are made, due to redundancies occurring through the recent elimination of controls; and whether the older temporary civil servants of 55 years of age and over are in all cases the first to be dismissed.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallReductions in staff on account of redundancy are made in accordance with a National Whitley Council agreement of 1945. The agreement does not prescribe special treatment for those of 55 years of age and over, who are, therefore, not necessarily the first to go.
§ Mr. CooperWhile appreciating that the question of efficiency should be a first consideration, may I ask the Financial Secretary if he can give any assurance that younger temporary civil servants are not retained in the Service, in comparison with older civil servants, since the younger men in most cases can more readily find alternative employment in productive industry?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallI have answered the Question. I have indicated that those of 55 years of age and over are not necessarily the first to go.
§ 60. Sir J. Mellorasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what steps are being taken to find employment for those civil servants rendered redundant as a result of the removal of certain controls; and if he will give an assurance that they will be offered employment in productive industry and not transferred to other Government Departments.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallTemporary civil servants who become redundant are informed that if they require further employment they should register with the Ministry of Labour and National Service. The Ministry endeavours to place those who register in suitable essential work which includes any fresh vacancies for temporary staff in Government Departments.