HC Deb 20 November 1957 vol 578 c379
30. Mr. Atkins

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he has taken to ensure that Regular officers who have to make up their minds whether to volunteer for early retirement, or who face premature termination, are given adequate information about the prospects in civil life.

Mr. Iain Macleod

In close co-operation with my Service colleagues, I have made arrangements for specially selected officers of my Department to take part in a series of lectures and individual interviews which the Services are at present conducting at stations both in this country and overseas. These lectures and interviews have been going on since the middle of September and the present round is due to be completed by the end of this month. Officers who may be affected by redundancy are thus being given the chance of receiving early information and advice about the possibilities in civilian life if they should leave the Services.

Mr. Atkins

I thank my right hon. Friend for his attitude in this matter. May I ask him to consider making this a permanent feature of the services provided by his Department, because the knowledge that help will be given at the end of his Service years will be of considerable help to a recruit?

Mr. Macleod

That is true. It is one of the reasons why we have started this scheme, and will keep it going as long as necessary.