§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many of the non-industrial staff of his Department were absent without authority on 14 May; how many of these hold politically sensitive posts; and if he will take steps to transfer those officials in the latter category to work where opposition to Government policy does not matter.
§ Mr. MayhewIn the Department of Employment group, consisting of the Department itself, the Manpower Services Commission, the Health and Safety Executive and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service 1,841 non-industrial staff (3.6 per cent. of the total) were absent without authority on 14 May. I am satisfied that none were in posts of such political sensitivity as to justify transferring them to other work.