asked the Minister of Labour what steps should be taken by persons who wish to offer their services upon work of national importance whether whether paid or unpaid?

As the reply is somewhat long, I will circulate it, if I may, in the Official Report. It contains, however, important guidance to those who wish to offer their services. I take this opportunity of urging all concerned to do so in the way indicated in the reply and to refrain from writing to or calling at the Ministry of Labour and National Service or some other Government Department. Such letters or calls impose a useless and wasteful strain on hard-pressed staffs.

Are Members of Parliament excluded from an opportunity of employment?

I cannot give a general answer to that. I should want to know whether the employment was paid or otherwise. Perhaps the hon. Member will put his question on the Order Paper and I will give a considered reply. With regard to the general reply, it is somewhat long, and perhaps hon. Members will read it and put any further questions they wish to ask on the Order Paper next week.

Following is the Reply:

Men and women, whether employed or unemployed, who wish to undertake paid employment on work of national importance (otherwise than in the Civil Defence Services) should, according to circumstances, register full particulars of their qualifications and the kind of work desired with the Central Register maintained at the Ministry of Labour and National Service or at an employment exchange.

Persons with qualifications of a scientific, technical or professional character who wish to be considered for enrolment in the Central Register should write to the Central Register, Montagu House, Whitehall, S.W.I, giving full particulars of their qualifications. Persons already enrolled on the Central Register are asked to send written notice of any change of address or of circumstances affecting their availability. The Central Register cannot undertake to deal with visitors or telephone calls as to the action which is being taken in the case of individuals.

Members of the medical, dental, pharmaceutical, nursing and legal professions should not apply to the Central Register and should consult the appropriate professional organisations if they desire advice or guidance.

In all other cases of application for paid employment, except in the various branches of the Civil Defence Services, applicants should call at or write to the employment exchange for the area in which they reside.

Those who wish to enrol for paid or unpaid employment in one of the various branches of Civil Defence and similar services mentioned in the National Service Handbook should apply to the offices of the local authority or to the other organisations responsible for such services; or, in the case of women, to the local branches of Women's Voluntary Services. Further information can be obtained at any employment exchange.

Any woman who is already at work in ordinary commercial or industrial employment will serve the national interests better by remaining at her job and not seeking to change it except if she is suited for nursing or first aid and wishes to devote herself to whole-time service in such work.

I should add that these arrangements are not intended to supersede the working of private employment agencies. On the contrary, it is desired that these agencies should continue in operation subject only to any specific restrictions which may be imposed by law.