§ Mr. BROMLEYasked the Minister of Health, in view of the submission of the Government Laboratory Staff Side Whitley Council that the number of fully-qualified and experienced chemists, at present largely represented by the temporary-assistant Chemist grade, is inadequate for the work of the Government laboratory, if he will state why no provision is made to absorb the whole of that grade as chemists into the reorganised staff?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCENo representation to the effect suggested has been made by the Staff Side of the Government Laboratory Whitley Council. The connected matters are still under consideration on that Whitley Council, but I understand that it is proposed to terminate the system of engaging temporary assistant chemists on the scale £160–£220 plus bonus, and to substitute a limited staff of established chemists on the scale £200–£450 plus bonus and an assistant grade. It is desirable that the change should be made gradually, and 751W opportunity will be given to those existing temporary assistant chemists "who are fully qualified to pass into the new grade of chemist.