§ 79. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to A.W.O. 592/1921, dealing with the India forest service; whether he can give some further particulars regarding the statement made therein containing the words owing to shortage of junior accountant officers; whether he is aware that communications have passed between Admiralty officials as late as last month in which the information is conveyed that there is a shortage of junior accountant officers; and can he explain how this shortage has arisen?
§ Mr. AMERYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, there is at present on the basis of the pre-War distribution of duties a considerable surplus of senior accountant officers and some deficiency of junior officers, caused partly by reduced requirements after the War and partly by the improved arrangements for promotion in the branch. There is, however, an appreciable net surplus, and while this exists the situation is being met by the employment of senior officers on duties which would normally be performed by junior officers, this being the most economical, and obviously the best arrangement in the circumstances.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it not a fact that there was a shortage of junior accountant officers?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEBut did not the right hon. Gentleman state the other day, in answer to my question, that there was such a shortage?