§ 23. Sir A. YEOasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping if he will state how much longer it is proposed to continue his Department; and in the meantime, what staff it will be necessary to keep in order to carry out its duties?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel Wilson)The question how long the Ministry of Shipping should be continued as a separate Department is under consideration, but it is not possible to make any statement at present. The present headquarters staff is 875 and the main work is clearing up the business left by the War, when it will be remembered, practically the whole of the mercantile marine was under requisition. More than 754 half of the present staff are engaged on accounting work.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWhen does my hon. Friend expect the Ministry of Shipping will conclude its operations?
Colonel WILSONI have just answered that question. The matter is under consideration. As a matter of fact the staff at present employed will have to continue its work after the Ministry comes to an end.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWhen is it expected the Ministry will come to an end?
Colonel WILSONMy right hon. Friend knows that the Shipping Controller is only too anxious to bring the Ministry to an end at the earliest possible moment. It will certainly be in a few months, but I cannot possibly fix a date.