§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the non-industrial staff of his Department were absent without authority on 14 May; how many of these hold politically sensitive posts; and if he will take steps to transfer those officials in the latter category to work where opposition to Government policy does not matter.
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§ Mr. Patrick Jenkin4,301 staff—4.5 per cent. of the total staff in post—were absent without authority on 14 May. This had a minor effect only on the conduct of the Department's business. None of the staff involved are in a position to influence government policy; neither are they employed on duties involving national security.
Although I deplore the fact that a small minority of the staff of my Department chose to follow their unions' instructions to stay away from work, I have concluded that the usual practice of depriving such staff of a day's pay is sufficient penalty.