§ 57. Mr. ROSEasked the Prime Minister if, in connection with the monthly White Papers relating to Government official staffs, he will issue some statement of particulars as to the grade and average salary of dismissed officials, showing how 618 far the dismissals affect the lower grades and the more highly-paid Civil servants who have entered the service during and in consequence of the War?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe preparation by Government Departments generally of a monthly statement showing the details mentioned would entail an expenditure of time and labour altogether out of proportion to the value of the information obtained. If the hon. Member has a particular Department in mind, perhaps he will address an inquiry to the Minister concerned.
§ Mr. ROSEIs the hon. Gentleman aware there is a widespread public suspicion that practically the whole of the reductions of staff have taken place among the lower-paid and lower-grade officials, and that none of the higher-grade officials have been dismissed but have merely been transferred to other Departments?
§ Mr. BALDWINI was not aware of that. I think the suggestion contained in my reply deals with the hon. Member's difficulty in a practical form.