§ 2 and 3. Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Public Building and Works, (1) what steps he is taking to amend the provisions of industrial circular 2/67 (EE 317/2/2/4);
(2) how many leading men have been interviewed under the provisions of industrial circular 2/67 (EE 317/2/2/4); and how many of them have failed to gain recognition in technical grade III.
§ Mr. PrenticeI have had correspondence with my hon. Friend on this subject, but I am not aware that any amendments to the circular are necessary. The boards concerned have the task of interviewing at least 700 men; they have not yet reported but I will let my hon. Friend have the information he seeks as soon as it becomes available.
§ Mr. JuddI thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer, but does not he agree that there are some serious misgivings among the men concerned and there is great need for clarification of the circular? Would this be possible?
§ Mr. PrenticeBefore being issued, the circular was discussed with the joint industrial council, which had no objection to it. In so far as my hon. Friend has found misgivings and I have been able to explain some of the policy to him, he may be of help to us in getting it better understood. If there are steps which my Department can take, I shall consider them and, in particular, any suggestions from my hon. Friend.