§ Q1. Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister if he will co-ordinate the activities of the Minister of Aviation, the Minister of Defence and other Government Ministers involved in negotiation for large-scale contracts, with a view to establishing a training college for men wishing to enter the public service as technical costs officers.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Alec Douglas-Home)I am not satisfied that the establishment of a special training college would be useful. The Ministry of Aviation and the Post Office which employ technical costs officers on a substantial scale look for recruits who have appropriate qualifications and practical experience; and, where appropriate, arrange for officers to attend technical colleges to study for higher qualifications. But, in general, the specialised experience needed can only be acquired on the job. Co-ordination between Departments already exists, and advice is available on request to other Ministries including the Defence Departments.
§ Mr. DalyellDoes that answer mean that the Prime Minister confirms that the Civil Service is short of technical costs officers; and, if he does not like the idea of a training college, what better plan has he?
§ The Prime MinisterThere are 45 officers attending technical colleges today, and there is a number also at the Hatfield College of Technology. I think this is the best way to proceed; but we are a bit short of recruits and we should like some more.