§ Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that within the last few weeks ex-service officers have been taken on the staff of the Civil Liabilities Department for a period of two years; and whether it is necessary for a Department of such a nature to extend appointments for so long a period, in view of the fact that claims for settlement are likely to decrease?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWith the exception of two permanent Civil servants attached to the Department, who are on loan from the Ministry of Health and the Board of 895W Education respectively, all members of the Civil Liabilities Department's staff hold temporary appointments, and are, therefore, subject to one month's notice. No officer of that Department has therefore been taken on the staff for a period of two years, as suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Controller of the Civil Liabilities Department has appointed his brother to be a commissioner; whether he will state what is his knowledge and experience to qualify him for this responsible position; and whether he complies with the Regulations laid down by the Treasury that all commissioners must be barristers?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am aware that the brother of the Controller of the Civil Liabilities Department is employed as an examining commissioner in Bristol under the Civil Liabilities Department. The officer in question was transferred to the Ministry of Labour from the Ministry of National Service on the 1st March, 1919, when the administration of the Retail Business (Licensing) Order was transferred to the former Department. As Deputy-Controller for the south-western area in connection with that Order, he had acquired considerable local knowledge and experience in interviewing of a type which are of service in relation to his present work. Accordingly, when it was possible to reduce the staff engaged on the administration of the Order, Mr. McClellan, along with a certain number of the most efficient officers previously engaged on that work, was transferred to duties under the Civil Liabilities Department. When an opportunity offered he was stationed at Bristol, for which post his previous local experience particularly suited him. There has been throughout no question of preferential treatment of this officer on grounds of his relationship to the Controller. I should add, as regards the last part of the question, that there are no regulations laid down by the Treasury providing that Commissioners must be barristers.
§ Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Labour how it arises that, while the staff of the Civil Liabilities Department has been increased by 11 persons, the number of cases dealt with in April, 1920, was 1,215 less than in October, 1919?
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§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy hon. Friend has made the calculation wrongly. The answer I gave him on 15th June shows that in April, 1920, there were 1,215 cases more, not less, dealt with than in October, 1919.