§ 32. Major BIRCHALLasked the Secretary of State for War what is the work now being done in M.S. 3 Cas. Department at the War Office; what the staff consist of; and what is the total amount of their salaries?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere are still a very large number of inquiries arising out of casualties to officers during the War, including the verification of casualties for various official purposes and questions regarding missing officers and prisoners of war. The branch referred to is also engaged on work connected with the issue 1220 of the plaque and scroll to the next of kin of officers killed in the War; the preparation of records of war services of officers and generally in clearing up the aftermath of work arising out of the War. The staff consists of one retired officer, one permanent Civil Servant, three permanent ex-soldier clerks, and 12 ex-soldiers who were wounded in the War. The salaries of the staff amount to £24,160 a year. The work is gradually decreasing, and I anticipate that it will be possible to make commensurate reductions in the staff.