§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the Surveyor General of Ordnance, If he will state the number of War Office officials employed upon the "remain" of stores now proceeding at Woolwich Arsenal; the nature and object of the work; the time within which it is expected to be finished; and the estimated cost of the service; and, whether any facilities will be given to the Comptroller and Auditor General to report to this House upon the scope and result of the stocktaking?
§ MR. BRANDThere are four War Office officials upon the "Remain" Committee at Woolwich Arsenal, and five members of the War Office have been employed as counting officers; but of these latter only one gentleman is now so employed. The nature and object of the work is to ascertain by actual counting that the stock of stores on hand corresponds with the ledger balances, and to establish a starting point from which it may be possible to organize a periodical valuation of each section. It is expected that the work will be finished by August next. The estimated cost of the service is £4,723 15s. The stocktaking at the Arsenal is a 363 matter of store and not of cash account, and as such would not come under the cognizance of the Comptroller and Auditor General.