asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that three persons have been recruited from out side the Civil Service to fill executive posts in the Reading, Birmingham and Scotland areas of his Department; that the official reason given for these appointments was that no permanent civil servants were available; and what steps were taken to ascertain from other Governments Departments, in the areas concerned, whether any suitable serving civil servant's could be released to fill these posts.

Yes, Sir. No direct approach was made to other Government Departments as, in accordance with the agreed procedure, Departments requiring staff apply to the Treasury who have particulars of redundant staffs in Government Departments. The Treasury were unable at the time to supply candidates for these three posts and, with Treasury agreement, the posts were filled by the appointment of temporary staff obtained through the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour and National Service.

Does the Minister realise that if he or another Department goes outside the public service unnecessarily it gives rise to a good deal of discontent amongst the staff, and would he assure the House that in future he will avoid this, except when it is absolutely inevitable?

Yes, Sir, I will take note of that. I should never dream of going outside the Service unnecessarily.

Has the Minister found any difficulty in recruiting the necessary staff in the Birmingham area?

No, I do not think so.