§ 5. Mr. A. SHAWasked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons in his Department are engaged in the administration of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, and what is the total amount of their salaries?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe administration of the Safeguarding of Industries Act is being carried out by the staff of the Department in addition to its previous duties. No additional staff has been engaged for the purpose. This was rendered possible by the winding up of certain other work.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes that mean that if we had not had this Measure these persons would have been dispensed with and the staff reduced, and that, consequently, there has been no real saving, but extravagance?
§ Mr. BALDWINI do not go so far as that.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNCould the right hon. Gentleman, if asked, give the House an estimate of the expenses in salaries and otherwise that the Act involves?
§ Mr. BALDWINYes, I should be prepared to do that as far as I can.
§ 15. Mr. J. WALLACEasked the President of the Board of Trade how many additional officials have been added to the Customs Department, or how many 1482 Government officials have been diverted from other Departments to discharge duties in connection with the administration of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hilton Young)The work falling on the Customs and Excise Department in connection with the Safeguarding of Industries Act is being performed by the existing Customs and Excise staff, supplemented by seven extra temporary clerks.