HC Deb 13 May 1959 vol 605 cc1219-20
4. Mr. Temple

asked the Postmaster-General what further developments there have been in his scheme of interchange of staff between the Post Office and industrial concerns.

Mr. Marples

Two Post Office men, an administrator and an engineer, have now taken up temporary appointments at I.C.I. Limited and two I.C.I. men have come to the Post Office. The exchange is expected to last for about a year and will, I trust, achieve the same success as has so far attended the interchange of staff between the Post Office and Unilever Ltd. which commenced earlier this year. I am indebted to the board of I.C.I. Limited for its co-operation in making this further experiment possible.

Mr. Temple

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his statement will give widespread satisfaction, and will he take all possible steps to maintain this sphere of co-operation between the Post Office and private industry?

Mr. Marples

I think it is a good idea because these large firms in private industry are the best customers of the Post Office. If they send some of their men to the Post Office they can have experience of how we work, and vice versa. I am sure that it can do nothing but good.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

In view of the fact that the Co-operative movement has just as much experience as the I.C.I., will the right hon. Gentleman co-operate with the co-operators?

Mr. Marples

Not in view of the report of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition.