§ Mr. W. SMITHasked the Minister of Food how many executive officers of Food Control Committees or chief clerks have applied for full-time work as executive officers under the new system; how many have been appointed; and how many have been appointed who already hold public positions and whose private business takes much of their time?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am asking for a return from Divisional Food Commissioners giving the information asked for by the hon. Member, and I shall communicate the results to him as soon as these are available.
§ Mr. W. SMITHasked the Minister of Food whether his Department has insisted upon the position of food officer being filled by men who can give full time to the office; whether he is aware that the position at Wisbech has been filled by 2416W the appointment of a man who holds other public offices as well as having a private business; and, in making this appointment, was an applicant passed over who was prepared to give his whole time to the work?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; but, whenever possible, the appointment of a full-time officer is regarded as desirable. There are, however, cases where, owing to special circumstances, it is considered desirable to appoint a person, despite the fact that he is unable to give full-time attendance. As regards the second and third parts of the question, I am making inquiries, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.