§ 6. Mr. FRANK GRAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the number of officers now employed at the War Office exceeds the number employed before the War; if so, will he state the additional number now employed; and whether he will take steps to immediately reduce the number to the pre-War level at least in the interests of economy and efficiency.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSBefore the War there were 174 officers employed at the War Office. At present the number is 325, and it will be reduced by 1st April, 1923, to 297. The number is fixed with a view to the efficient performance of the work of the War Office and is subject to frequent and careful review in the interests of economy and efficiency. The present volume of business in the War Office, as measured by the average weekly influx of correspondence, is more than twice what it was before the War, and a staff no larger than the pre-War staff would not suffice to discharge it.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSI have said that the matter is continually receiving attention, and as the liabilities left to us in liquidation of War claims are met, the staff is gradually reduced.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the reorganisation of the times of work at the War Office? Is he aware that there is very little work done there after half past four?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThe conditions of work in the War Office are the same as the conditions in the Civil Service generally.