§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Minister of National Service if he has appointed the Marquess of Bute as Director of Labour Supply for Wales under the National Service scheme; and, if so, having regard to his Lordship's well-known connection with large industrial concerns in South Wales, has it been made a condition that he should resign his directorships?
§ Sir AUCKLAND GEDDESThere is no such appointment as Director of Labour Supply for Wales. Lord Bute has, however, been offered and has accepted the appointment of Regional Representative of the Labour Supply Department of the Ministry of National Service for South Wales, which is one of nine or ten posts of this nature. The duties of regional representatives are, generally speaking, to act as local officers of the Labour Supply Department in all matters affecting the work of that Department. They are responsible for dealing with the Trade Committees established by the Ministry of National Service, and for acting as liaison officers between these Committees and the officers of the Employment Exchanges, and generally for looking after the interests of persons who accept work of national importance as volunteers. They will also be responsible for the issue to aliens of permits to engage in restricted occupations. Having regard to the nature of these duties, there would appear to be no necessity for taking the action suggested in the hon. Member's question.