§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of bringing to the notice of the Army Council the expenditure caused by the creation of a Central Office at the Ordnance Factories, and the increase of the emoluments of the civil staff, resulting in an increased annual charge of £60,000; and whether he will consider the desirability of placing under the control of the Master-General of the Ordnance the entire staff employed in the Ordnance Factories.
MR. ABNOLD-FORSTERThe creation of the Central Office at the Ordnance Factories, which took place in 1889, has thrown no increased charge upon the public, but has led to substantial economies. I do not understand the figures quoted by the hon. and gallant Member. The entire staff of the Ordnance Factories has been for the past five years under the control of the Director-General of Ordnance; and the question of their future control is included in the consideration of the War Office Reorganisation Committee, who have not yet reported upon this point.