HC Deb 07 December 1950 vol 482 cc534-5
64. Mr. Erroll

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the attempt of the Iron and Steel Corporation to recruit deputy-secretaries at salaries of £2,500 per annum and assistant-secretaries at salaries of £2,000 per annum for the declared purpose of running the industry on Civil Service lines is having an adverse effect on the permanent Civil Service, since such individuals are few in number and already employed in Government Departments; and what action he proposes to take to safeguard the adequate staffing of the higher Civil Service.

Mr. J. Edwards

I am aware that the Iron and Steel Corporation have advertised two posts of deputy-secretary and three posts of assistant-secretary at the salaries named. I do not agree that this action is having an adverse effect upon the Civil Service. The last part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. Erroll

Is the Minister willing to allow civil servants to take up these appointments if they wish to do so?

Mr. Edwards

I think that no real risk is caused to the Civil Service by these advertisements.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Are we to understand that the Government's contribution to the rearmament problem is to take the great and productive industry of steel and to run it on Civil Service lines?

Mr. Edwards

The hon. Member is not to understand anything so irrelevant.