§ Mr. W. Brownasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a trained welfare officer, appointed in connection with evacuated staffs at Blackpool, recommended the appointment of a welfare officer to deal with certain problems; that his Ministry has appointed a typist who was, until recently, a junior clerk with no training in welfare work, to this post; that a welfare officer in his evacuation welfare centre at Blackpool, with university training and practical experience in welfare work, is now not fully employed and seeking other employment; and why this lady was not transferred to the aforesaid duties in Blackpool?
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§ Miss HorsbrughThe officer who made the recommendation referred to, advisedly and after consultation with my right hon. Friend's chief welfare officer, did not suggest the appointment of a trained welfare officer for this purpose. The officer actually appointed had, as secretary of the Staff Side of the Departmental Whitley Council, considerable experience of staff problems and her appointment has the expressed approval of the majority of staff representatives. My right hon. Friend himself has taken a close personal interest in this matter and has every reason to believe that the lady whom he has appointed is well qualified to carry out the work entrusted to her. The latter parts of the Question do not arise.