Manpower and Productivity Advisory Service

HC Deb 29 April 1971 vol 816 cc698-9

17. Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what changes he proposes in the Manpower and Productivity Advisory Service.

Mr. Bryan

I have nothing to acid at present to my reply to the hon. Gentleman's Question on 25th February when I said that the Manpower and Productivity Service will continue to offer an advisory service to industry in the field of industrial relations and related questions of labour utilisation.

Mr. Walker

But in view of repeated comments in the Press, is it not time that we had a comprehensive statement from the Minister about the reported changes in the Department's role in manpower? Will the hon. Gentleman refute the report in the Press that he is proposing to introduce fee charging for the Department's advisory service?

Mr. Bryan

As I said earlier, the whole question of the manpower services of my Department is the subject of an inquiry in which everything will be considered, even the possibility of charging.