HC Deb 25 March 1968 vol 761 cc901-2
31. Mr. Blaker

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement about the studies made in his Department of the increase in the number of office employees in recent years.

Mr. Gunter

A report of the Manpower Research Unit was published on 11th March, 1968, under the title "Manpower Studies No. 7: Growth of Office Employment". This examines growth over the period 1921 to 1961, and is the first part of a study to try to identify the reasons for the large increase in office employment and to forecast future developments.

Mr. Blaker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the report to which he has referred contains no comparison between the trend in this country and the trend in other advanced industrial countries? In the further studies which are to take place, would it not be useful if that comparison were made?

Mr. Gunter

I understand that that is very much in mind for the second part.