§ 38. Mr. RAFFANasked the President of the Local Government Board what number of the Board's staff were engaged in the Audit Department in London and the provinces in July, 1914; how many of those so engaged have since enlisted; the numerical strength of the staff still engaged in audit work in London and the provinces; and what proportion of those so engaged are eligible for military service?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Long)The number of auditors and assistant auditors of all ages in July, 1914, was seventy-five; of these, eighteen have joined the Forces. The number at present on the staff is sixty, of whom nine are eligible for military service and these have all been attested. Out of 167 clerks who were employed by the auditors in July, 1914, sixty-three have enlisted. The present staff of clerks is 103, and, so far as my information goes, sixteen of these were rejected on medical grounds, thirty-four have been attested, while thirty-five are outside military age.
§ Sir JOHN SPEARHaving regard to the statistics he has just given, will the right hon. Gentleman order the audit to be annual instead of six monthly, as many Poor Law officials have also enlisted and there is great difficulty in getting the accounts ready more than once a year?