HC Deb 15 December 1969 vol 793 cc921-2
35. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what proposals he has for secondment of civil servants on a temporary basis to industry and the City of London; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister without Portfolio and Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Peter Shore)

This year 15 civil servants have been seconded to industry or commerce. We hope to increase the scope for the temporary interchange of staff between the Civil Service and other employment; and we are very grateful for the co-operation of employers in industry and the City of London in accepting civil servants and releasing their own staff.

Mr. Dalyell

To a civil servant who wants to do a spell either in industry or the City, what incentive is given in terms of his career? How are his career prospects protected within the Civil Service should he wish to do so?

Mr. Shore

No specific incentive is given but I am sure that this secondment is an opportunity which many civil servants would be only too willing to accept. I think we can expect many to be keen to take the opportunity without any particular incentive being supplied.

Mr. Sheldon

Is my right hon. Friend aware that what is required is that the civil servants do a job during their secondment and that it is not enough for them merely to be associated with a company to which they are posted? It is the actual work which produces the kind of expertise required in the Civil Service.

Mr. Shore

I agree with my hon. Friend, who has great knowledge of this matter. But I do not think that one can answer this point generally. It has to be worked out with individual employers in terms of the individual jobs to which civil servants are seconded.

Mr. J. H. Osborn

What sort of jobs are offered? Is it not mainly a question of observing and noting what is happening rather than taking part in industrial activities? Is this not a continuing problem? What proposals have been made to overcome the problem?

Mr. Shore

I refer in my reply to 15 cases, but I cannot now go into details. I can supply the hon. Gentleman with a list of firms taking civil servants, but if he wants information on particular aspects of work and what they are to be engaged upon, I ask him to put down a Question, which I will answer.