77. Sir M. BARLOWasked the Pensions Minister whether he can give the House any information as to the arrangements for reconstituting and co-ordinating the clerical staffs under the Ministry at Chelsea and elsewhere; whether a leading firm of experts was called in to advise as to better arrangements for the correspondence and general staff work at Chelsea; whether they have presented a Report; and whether he can give any information as to the progress made?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENIt is only in the Awards to Soldiers Branch of the Ministry at Chelsea that reorganisation had become necessary, and this is being undertaken at my request by Sir Woodburn Kirby, who had carried out similar work at the Pension Issue Office for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister when he was Secretary of State for War. Sir Woodburn Kirby has presented a Report which provides for a reconstitution and co-ordination of the staff. I have approved this Report, and he is now giving effect to its recommendations. This should result in better arrangements for the correspondence and general staff work at Chelsea.
§ Sir G. TOULMINCan the hon. Gentleman say when the actual reorganisation will commence?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENIt will commence next Monday.