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War Work (Business Men's Offer)

Volume 106: debated on Monday 13 May 1918

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66.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many hundreds of competent business men have offered to place their ser vices at the disposal of the Government, in a large number of cases without payment, to assist in the various Government Departments and that their offer has been refused; and if, in view of the urgency for men to join the Colours, and as this would enable a large number to be re leased, he will give the reason for such refusal?

The Ministry of Labour, through the Professional and Business Register, has brought the claims of all suitable candidates for employment to the notice of Government Departments, and will continue to do so through the Appointments Department, in which the register is now incorporated. The Departments are, however, the judges of their own requirements, and I cannot say why they have considered some candidates unsuitable. I would point out, however, that many Departments are very properly seeking to find employment for discharged or wounded officers and men wherever possible, and this has no doubt reduced the demand for men of business experience over military age.

Could not my hon. Friend utilise some selected persons out of this large number of business men by adding to Sir John Bradbury's Committee now sitting to inquire into the staffing and over-staffing of Government Departments?

We are in touch with the Appointments Department, and, of course, any suggestions made by us would receive attention.

Is it not a fact that many of these offers came from business men of very high standing who obtained their present position owing to their business acumen, and would it not be an acquisition to some of the Government Departments to have the use of their services?

It is not for the Ministry of Labour to dictate to the Government Departments as to whom they think most suitable for their employment. No doubt they have taken on a considerable number of business men, but we cannot dictate to them.

Will the hon. Gentleman bring this matter prominently before some of the members of the Government who are responsible?