§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Social Services for what purpose psychologists engaged by his Department have been interviewing unemployed men and women; how many are so engaged; whether the interviewees were told in advance or later that their interviewers were psychologists; and if he will end the practice.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI have been asked to reply.
The Manpower Services Commission, like the armed forces and many large companies, has for a number of years employed occupational psychologists on work concerned with matching individual and job requirements, training and the organisation of work. In the public employment service there are 60 occupational psychologists, of whom 30 work in employment rehabilitation centres. Their work includes advising and helping individual unemployed people in their search for work. In most cases people are told in advance when their interviewer is to be an occupational psychologist. I understand that the commission will ensure that this happens in all cases in future.