§ 49. Mr. Gibsonasked the Minister of Supply how many of the headquarters staff of his Department have been discharged this year; and what steps are being taken to ensure that other and suitable employment is found for them.
§ Mr. SandysThroughout the country about 650 temporary headquarters staff of the Ministry of Supply have been discharged this year. In the case of those discharged on grounds of redundancy, information about their qualifications is given to the Ministry of Labour so that they can help them find other employment.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the Minister aware that some of the temporary people who are being discharged are being asked to train two others to take their place? I have a case of that kind in my constituency, of which I can provide the right hon. Gentleman with details, where a woman who has given a number of years' service in his Department has now been given notice of dismissal as being redundant and has been asked, in the meantime, to train two others to do the job which she is doing.
§ Mr. SandysI cannot believe that the hon. Gentleman is really suggesting that we are discharging one person and then engaging two others to take her place. I know nothing about the lady to whom he refers, but, quite clearly, the purpose of this operation is to reduce the total number of staff, and we are making some progress towards that objective.
§ Mr. GibsonIf I send the Minister a letter in connection with the case in question, will he look into the matter?
§ Mr. SandysGladly.