§ 38. Mr. M. STEVENSasked the Prime Minister if he will instruct the Ministry of Munitions, the War Office, the Ministry of Food, the Coal Controller, the Ministry of Shipping, the Disposals Board, and any other Ministry or Government Department engaged in transport to prepare, in each case, a return of the full number and cost of the staff employed in transport and storage on 1st August, 1919, and 1st March, 1920, respectively, the return to show separately that portion of the staff employed continuously at any warehouse or storage area; and, if the returns are ordered, if he will say in what form they will be presented to the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not prepared to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion in view of the labour which would be involved, and the fact that the staffs 1797 of the Departments referred to are already much overworked. To undertake the preparation of the Return asked for would tend to increase rather than diminish the present congestion by diverting a certain proportion of the energy of the Departments from the very pressing needs of the situation.
§ Mr. STEVENSIn view of the pressure of the Prime Minister for economy and efficiency, will he allow me to see him and explain to him viva voce what is intended?