HC Deb 30 July 1957 vol 574 cc1039-41
7. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Works what steps have been taken to consider the suitability of personnel within his own and other Departments for the post of Director-General of Works.

Mr. Molson

Staff serving in my own and other Departments may enter the competition for the post of Director-General of Works. The Civil Service Commission will consider the qualifications of those who do so as well as those of candidates not at present in the Civil Service.

Mr. Willey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the action he has taken has created the impression that he is going outside the Civil Service and, as the professional section of the Civil Service already feels a good deal of resentment about the lack of opportunity for promotion, will the right hon. Gentleman look at the matter again?

Mr. Molson

No, Sir, certainly not. I do not think that any civil servant has any ground for complaint. I see no reason why civil servants should be dissatisfied with a fair field and no favour.

8. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Works why, in filling the post of Director-General of Works, he is following a procedure different from that followed in filling the post of the Permanent Secretary.

Mr. Molson

In each case the procedure adopted is that calculated to secure the best man for the post.

Mr. Willey

Why has the right hon. Gentleman followed this exceptional course in this instance? Why has he flatly refused to see the Staff Side of the Whitley Council?

Mr. Molson

The Director-General of Works in my Department is responsible for very large building operations amounting in value to more than £50 million a year. It is quite obvious that there are a number of people in industry and the professions with managerial experience, and it is only right that they should have an opportunity of being chosen for this post. I do not think it necessary to see the trade unions on the subject, as I regard this as a matter of administration.

Mr. Willey

In view of the dissatisfaction felt by people on the trade union side, will the right hon. Gentleman agree to meet them to discuss this matter with them?

Mr. Molson

I see not the slightest reason to see them on a matter in which I am concerned to make an appointment and in which I am trying to find the best man available for the post.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Why does the right hon. Gentleman say that because this is an administrative matter it is not desirable to see representatives of the Staff Side? Would it not be better to see them and to allow them to put their case before the Minister?

Mr. Molson

I see no useful purpose in seeing the Staff Side when I have come to a decision from which I do not intend to withdraw.

Mr. Vane

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his answer to the supplementary question asked by the right hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths)will give great satisfaction, in that he will not be deterred from his decision after he has weighed all the factors and has come to what he considers to be the correct decision?

Mr. Willey

In view of the unsatisfactory Answer, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise this matter again as soon after the Recess as possible.