§ 80. Mr. T. DAVIESasked the Minister of Munitions whether he has effected a reduction in the staff of his Department since he took office; by what number the staff has been reduced in women and men, respectively; and by what amount the monthly wage bill is reduced thereby?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have given personal attention to the numbers of the staff of the Ministry since assuming office, and I have instituted a procedure which will,I trust, secure that an efficient system, both of criticism of new appointments and of periodical review of existing appointments, should be in operation. But the fact that the work of the Ministry is continually expanding with the growing output of munitions and that new war services of an increasingly complex character are frequently added, has prevented any actual reduction on the total numbers. On the 2016 contrary, though in certain cases changes have been made, or are in contemplation which have resulted, and will result in savings, other changes, notably those connected with the settlement of financial arrears, aeronautical supply, mechanical and chemical warfare, have necessitated increases, which more than counterbalance the reductions. Every effort will continue to be made to avoid redundant or extravagant staffing, but the variety and volume of the output of war material will continue to be the dominant factor.