§ 56. Mr. MOSLEYasked the Lord Privy Seal what progress has been made with 1182 the release of civilian clerks, male and female, temporarily engaged during the War; whether he will issue a weekly, statement of the number of temporary civilian clerks, male and female, released every week; and what is the ratio between the rate of discharge of civilians as compared with the naval and military?
The CHANCELLOR of the EX-CHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)My right hon Friend the Minister of Reconstruction is, at the request of the War Cabinet, looking into this question, and I will consider with him the suggestion made by the hon. Member for a periodic return of the numbers released. No comparison can be made between the rate of discharges of civil staff and of the Forces, as the demobilisation of the Forces itself has thrown an immense burden of work on Departments at home, for which the necessary staff must be retained.