HC Deb 19 July 1922 vol 156 cc2063-4
18. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Labour what further economies he has effected in the administration of his Department since his statement of 10th April last; and what are the present numbers and cost of that administration as compare with 1913?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the information for which he asks.

Mr. HURD

Seeing the necessity for getting at the facts, will the right hon. Gentleman read to hon. Members one or two?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Oh, yes, I will give the first sentence. Since the beginning of April this year, the staff of the Ministry has been reduced from 21,015 to 18,863, representing an annual cost of approximately £350,000.

Following is the full reply:

Since the beginning of April this year the staff of the Ministry has been reduced from 21,015 to 18,863, a reduction of 2,152, representing an annual cost of approximately £350,000. So far as the Employment and Insurance Department is concerned, since the 10th April, one Employment Exchange and 16 branch offices have been closed, and nine exchanges and temporary sub-offices have been converted into branch employment offices. In other directions economies have been effected on the administrative side by closing a number of offices and concentrating effort in a smaller number of establishments. My hon. Friend can have these steps fully placed before him if he so desires. I shall do my best to secure further economies, so far as this is compatible with carrying out the measures deemed necessary for dealing with unemployment and the redemption of our obligation to the ex-service man. No useful comparison can be made with the year 1913, as the Ministry was not created till 1917, and by far the greatest part of the work now done by the Ministry (including all the work arising from the War) was not being performed at all in 1913. If my hon. Friend will read my statement of 10th April on laying my Estimates before the House he will see that I deal fully with the endeavour to institute the comparison sought to be made in the last part of his question.