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26. Between Ist September and 31st March, 1946 (apart from the rapid and steady fulfilment of the decisions already taken regarding the relaxing of man-power controls), the Government also announced the revocation of the Opticians' Employment Order, "the Dentists' Employment Order, and the Employment Restriction Order. 27. In July, 1945, a scheme was introduced, in conjunction with the Royal New Society for the Health of Women and Children, by which the Department would assist the Society in setting up and maintaining local offices in various places through -which all engagements of Karitane nurses would henceforth be arranged. This scheme -was introduced to secure a more effective use of the services of these nurses. 28. In July, 1945, it was decided to take a survey of employment prospects over the whole field of industry in order to obtain an employment budget setting out factually the employment movements likely to be involved in the transition from wartime to peacetime conditions. This survey was carried out in September and October. 29. The above events and decisions are the main ones affecting departmental activities during the twelve months under review. The activities arising out of the -decisions taken are described in subsequent sections of this report. SECTION lII.—ADMINISTRATION (i) Administrative Developments 30. With the cessation of hostilities during the year the need for Armed Forces Appeal Boards ceased and they were disbanded. Chairmen and members of Boards had carried out a most difficult task during the war years and to a large extent the maintenance of an appropriate balance between military and industrial man-power requirements depended throughout upon their appreciation of the constantly changing •circumstances of the war situation and their co-operation and support in carrying out the equally changing policy necessary to meet those circumstances. It is fitting to place •on record here appreciation of the work done by Chairmen, members, deputy members, and staff of Armed Forces Appeal Boards.. The cessation of hostilities further enabled reductions in staff directly connected with ballots and records to be effected. 31. The progressive relaxation of man-power controls resulting in a decline in the volume of man-power activities also enabled a reduction in staff engaged on this work. In reducing staff the general policy (subject to some exceptions in special cases) was to reduce in the following categories in the order set out: — Married women : Persons over sixty years of age : Single women. Where it was possible, the officers affected were transferred to other Government Departments, seconded officers being returned to their parent Departments. Of the thirty-six seconded officers at Ist April, 1945, thirty-three were occupying controlling positions, and all rendered sterling service during a very trying period. At 31st March, 1946, only five remained on secondment. 32. In March, 1946, the Department was reorganized as the National Employment Service. Positions were advertised throughout the Public Service, the appointments being made as at 30th March, 1946, in readiness for the new Department to -commence its peacetime activities on Ist April, 1946. 33. The majority of the staff who were serving with the Forces had returned by 31st March, 1946. Staff returning from the Forces have all been personally interviewed •on return, and a continuing interest in their rehabilitation has been taken. Various staff-training schemes had been drawn up so that the returned personnel could make up the lost experience quickly.

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