HC Deb 18 June 1951 vol 489 cc7-8W
68. Mr. Robson-Brown

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Edmonton Borough Council has made it a condition of appointment as borough engineer that candidates must be members of a trade union affiliated to the Trades Union Congress and that failure to comply with this condition renders any employee liable to instant dismissal; and if he will give an assurance that, before exercising his duty of approval of this appointment, he will satisfy himself that there has been an adequate field of selection.

Mr. Barnes:

The answer to both parts of the Question is "Yes," but such an appointment becomes subject to my approval only if the council seek grant from the Road Fund in respect of the engineer's salary. I am informing the council that I should regard such a requirement as incompatible with the conditions on which; I make Road Fund grants, particularly the established principle that councils should make their choice from as wide as possible a field of candidates having appropriate professional qualifications.