§ 38. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Postmaster-General whether he can yet make a statement about his proposed scheme of interchange of staff between the Post Office and industrial concerns.
§ Mr. MarplesYes, Sir. On 5th January, 1959, two Post Office men, an administrator and an engineer, will take up temporary appointment at Unilever, Ltd., and two Unilever men will come to the Post Office. The exchange is expected to last for about a year. Discussions with another concern are also in train. I hope that this experiment will be the forerunner of a regular interchange of experience between the Post Office and industry. I believe it will bring mutual benefit and a better understanding of each others problems. I should like to pay tribute to the helpfulness of the Board of Unilever, Ltd., in agreeing to co-operate in this experiment.
§ Mr. RidsdaleIs my right hon. Friend aware how much we welcome this cooperation between private and public industry? Will reports on the experience gained and the results be made available?
§ Mr. MarplesAfter Question Time this afternoon I intend to meet these people. I hope that I shall be able to get from the Unilever men their reactions and Unilever hope to get the experiences of our Post Office men in their firm. I am sure that it will be of great benefit to both.