HC Deb 20 March 1923 vol 161 cc2341-2
58. Mr. FOOT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what persons, if any, are now employed in the Cabinet Secretariat; and what duties such persons perform respectively?

Major BOYD - CARPENTER

One secretary, one principal assistant secretary, one assistant secretary, one temporary administrative assistant, one accountant, one shorthand-writer and a clerical staff of 22 are at present employed in the Cabinet Secretariat. This staff will be reduced by six (one accountant and five clerks) on 31st March, 1923. The secretary records the decisions reached by the Cabinet and undertakes all other secretarial duties of the Cabinet. Together with his assistants, he also provides the secretarial staff for a number of Standing and ad hoc Committees of both the Committee of Imperial Defence and the Cabinet. The distribution and custody of all Cabinet, Committee of Imperial Defence and Sub-Committee papers and archives, and the clerical service of the office, is also carried out by this staff.

Mr. HARDIE

If they are dismissed, will they have all the benefits of emigration, of which we hear so much talk from the other side of the House?

Mr. LAMBERT

Is it a fact that these officials who have gone from the Cabinet Secretariat have been simply transferred to other Government offices?

Major BOYD-CARPENTER

No; that is not correct.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

How many of the 24 charwomen are dealt with?