HC Deb 19 December 1946 vol 431 cc421-2W
61. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish as a White Paper, thé results of the Report and recommendations of the inter Departmental committee appointed for the purpose of inquiry into the work and numbers of Government staffs.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) on 10th December, His Majesty's Government are keeping the numbers of non-industrial Civil Service staffs under continuous review. But there will be no report such as the hon. Member has in mind.

Sir G. Fox

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the shortage of manpower, he will arrange to modify the present rules whereby no new technical staff can be engaged by Government Departments for permanent employment if they are over the age of 50 years.

Mr. Dalton

This question is now being examined by the Civil Service National Whitley Council, and I hope shortly to be able to announce a modification of the present rules.