HC Deb 31 October 1957 vol 575 c392
45. Mr. Willey

asked the Prime Minister whether, on grounds of public policy, he will instruct Departmental heads to facilitate the transfer of officers from the Civil Service to the Atomic Energy Authority, in view of the speedy progress in research and development in atomic energy.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

Heads of Departments are already aware that it is the policy of the Government to facilitate transfers from the Civil Service to the Atomic Energy Authority.

Mr. Willey

In view of the importance of getting the right people in the right place at the right time in this branch of research, will the right hon. Gentleman consider any cases I refer to him where that seems not to have occurred?

The Prime Minister

I should be happy to consider any individual cases, but it is only fair to the Authority to say that about 6,000 established civil servants have been transferred to the Atomic Energy Authority since it was set up, some 5,700 as part of the original transfer and some 300 since.