-2- is an opportune time to launch such an enquiry, which would be a continuing one and would thus enable constant observation to be kept on the position. 5. The Ministry of Labour and National Service would be willing to undertake an investigation of this kind if they had specific authority from the Lord President's Committee, and I recommend that the Ministry be so authorised. They would act as a central agency on behalf of all Departments for the collection of the necessary statistical returns and it should be understood that other Departments would refrain from instituting independent statistical enquiries on this subject.