Professional and Executive Register

HC Deb 22 May 1969 vol 784 c646

24. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she will set up an inquiry into the practice of charging employers for the services of the Professional and Executive Register.

Mr. Fernyhough

It is not the practice to charge employers for the services of the Professional and Executive Register, and we have no plans to change this arrangement.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Might it not be a good thing to make some charge in the case of someone being successfully employed, and to give the board some money to spend on a rather wider service without it being to the detriment of public funds?

Mr. Fernyhough

It is refreshing to hear an hon. Member opposite asking us to put a burden on employers. We are always told that the burdens placed on them are far too heavy. I remind hon. Members opposite that under I.L.O. Convention 88 each member of the International Labour Organisation shall maintain or ensure the maintenance of a free public employment service". We would be running foul of that Convention if we made a charge.