[1] On the 20th May 1940 your Committee gave authority to the Chairman (Alderman Barrow), Alderman Morland and Councillor Martineau
to engage a suitable publicity expert for propaganda purposes. They interviewed two likely candidates, and eventually offered a temporary
appointment to Mr R B Clamp, at a salary of £500 per annum, subject to three months’ notice on either side, which terms were agreed
to by the Salaries, Wages and Labour Committee.
At the time the appointment was made, the Members of the Committee referred to experienced
some difficulty in fixing the remuneration, and intimated to Mr Clamp that the position would be reviewed after they had had more
experience of his work. At the meeting of your Committee held on the 14th November, Alderman Barrow made reference to the excellent
services rendered by Mr Clamp in his work as Publicity Officer to the Bank, and his services to the National Savings Committee in
connection with War Weapons Week, and it was agreed that his salary should be reviewed at an early meeting.
Your Sub-Committee have
given the matter their consideration and now recommend that as from the 1st January next Mr Clamp’s salary should be at the rate of
£600 per annum, subject to the approval of the Salaries, Wages and Labour Committee.
In making this recommendation, it is fitting to
refer to the tactful manner in which Mr Clamp has carried out, and continues to carry out, the Coupon system of deposit, which has
resulted in a careful selection of 138 accredited agents up to the present time. He has addressed numerous meetings of workers and
various organisations, and reports received from time to time show that his services have been appreciated by them. In many other
directions of the Bank’s work Mr Clamp’s organising abilities have proved of great value, and he has taken over those duties which
formerly fell to Mr H G Wright, who retired on superannuation at the end of July.
With reference to the services rendered by Mr Clamp
in connection with War Weapons Week, the Local Savings Committee, recognising his abilities in this direction, appealed for his assistance,
and he undertook the major portion of the publicity efforts and the necessary organisation. Testimony has been paid by the Chairman
of the Local Savings Committee to Mr Clamp’s valuable services in this connection.
He has further been of great assistance to the Bank
in establishing a closer co-operation between the Bank and the National Savings Movement. This has not been achieved without much
labour and many discussions, but the tactful manner in which Mr Clamp has dealt with the Organisers of the National Savings Movement,
and with the Local Savings Committee, has resulted in amicable arrangements being made for the desired closer co-operation.
There is
plenty of work for Mr Clamp to do in the directions indicated in this report; and the willingness he has shown to undertake any task
in the interests of the Bank indicates his keen interest in the Institution.
[2] Your Sub-Committee have thought it desirable
to reconsider the decision to increase Mr Clamp’s salary (which was reached at the last meeting of the Bank Committee on the casting
vote of the Chairman) and after a full discussion they recommend that the Minute approving the increase be rescinded and that no action
be taken in the matter for the present. This recommendation should not be taken as any reflection upon the service Mr Clamp has rendered
and continues to render to the Bank, but the division of opinion amongst the members of the Committee indicates that the present is
not an opportune time to put forward the original recommendation.
[3] This officer has now completed twelve months’ service,
and has given full satisfaction. He has taken over the duties formerly discharged by Mr H G Wright (resigned), except periodic payments,
and in addition has organised and continues to deal with the Coupon method of saving, as well as the Direct Transfer System inaugurated
by the National Savings Committee. Mr Clamp continues to give assistance to the Local Savings Committee in their publicity activities,
and represents the Bank in connection with Savings activities conducted by other Local Authorities where the Bank is established.
His expert knowledge of publicity methods makes his services particularly valuable at the present time, and an appeal has recently
been made for his help in the campaign for diphtheria immunisation, to which your Sub-Committee has given approval. Mr Clamp is compelled
to devote a good deal of time in the evening to the work in addition to his normal Bank hours of duty, and your Sub-Committee consider
he is worthy of increased remuneration. They therefore recommend that Mr Clamp be now appointed to the vacancy caused by the resignation
of Mr Wright, and that his salary be increased from £500 to £550 per annum, as from the 1st July, 1941, subject to the approval of
the Salaries, Wages and Labour Committee.
[4] After full consideration of representations made by Alderman Sir Ernest Canning
to the Chairman and myself, that Mr Clamp should be released for full time service with the Local War Savings Committee as secretary,
and for personal help to Sir Ernest, it was decided to agree to the request. Accordingly, Mr Clamp was released from the 1st September
1943, on the following conditions: (1) that his full salary payable by the Bank would be met by the Savings Committee, and that
he would receive in addition a sum to cover travelling and out-of-pocket expenses; (2) that his release will be for the duration of
the war; (3) that he will resume his duties with the Bank when the war is over, and that his Superannuation rights will be preserved;
and (4) that he will be at liberty to give advice and help on Bank matters which have hitherto been his concern, should such advice
and help be required.
[5] The arrangement for Mr Clamp to be seconded for service with the Local War Savings Movement has
been terminated at his request, and he returned to Bank duties on the 1st April 1944. Mr Clamp will, however, give service to the
Movement as he formerly did in a voluntary capacity.
[6] For his services to the National Savings Movement in Birmingham, the
MBE is awarded to Mr Reginald B Clamp, honorary secretary of the Savings Committee, 1940 - January, 1947, and now vice-chairman.
It
was largely due to his energy as right-hand man to Sir Ernest Canning (then chairman of the committee) that Savings groups in the
city’s factories were successfully built up.
[1] Report of the Finance and General Purposes Sub-Committee: December 16th
1940
[2] Report of the Finance and General Purposes Sub-Committee: January 20th 1941
[3] Report of the Finance and General
Purposes Sub-Committee: July 21st 1941
[4] General Manager’s Report: October 14th 1943
[5] General Manager’s Report: April
17th 1944
[6] Birmingham Gazette: January 1st 1949