§ 98. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Labour on what grounds he has changed his basic promotion policy for the factory inspectorate without consulting the staff association concerned, thus contravening one of the basic principles of good staff relations; and if he will give an assurance, in view of the repercussions which may flow from this action, that it will not be repeated.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI assume that my hon. Friend refers to the recent promotion of a male officer to fill one of the higher posts in the factory inspectorate previously held by a woman. In making this promotion, my Department acted in accordance with the policy of regarding all posts in the inspectorate as open to both sexes on a basis of full equality, suitability for the post being the sole criterion to determine who should be appointed. This is the policy which in agreement with the Staff Side of the Departmental Whitley Council governs 67W promotions in my Department in general. I regret however that the particular Association concerned on this occasion was not informed in advance that these general principles would be followed in filling this particular post.