2. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Minister of Pensions what is the reason for the failure to carry out the pledges made to the ex-service men's associations to terminate the appointment of the temporary official having no military service, recently transferred from the Wales region, Ministry of Pensions, to the headquarters of that Ministry in London?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Roberts)I know of no undertaking to terminate the appointment of the temporary official referred to. He was replaced by an ex-service man in the post which he occupied in the Wales region, and advantage is now being taken of his exceptional qualifications and experience by employing him on special work at headquarters, largely of a temporary nature.
Sir F. HALLIs it a fact that a pledge was given to the ex-service men that in the case of certain of these officers their engagements would be terminated on 30th June so as to make room for ex-service men? Was that pledge given or not?
§ Mr. ROBERTSAs I indicated in the first portion of my reply, I know of no such undertaking.
§ 7. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Pensions how many medical officers who have never served overseas are at present employed by the Ministry of Pensions among those serving on a whole-time agreement, including administrative officers, and among those serving on a sessional basis, respectively?
§ Mr. ROBERTS115 out of the 400 full-time medical officers and 644 out of the 2,408 sessional medical officers in the Ministry of Pensions did not serve overseas. I may add that nearly 94 per cent. of these medical officers have served either at home or abroad.
§ 8. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Pensions how many medical officers who have served overseas have been discharged from work under the Ministry of Pensions in the last six months in order to retain the services of doctors who have not served overseas?
§ Mr. ROBERTSNo medical officer with overseas service has been discharged in order to provide for another officer without overseas service. In selecting medical officers for discharge, which is unavoidable owing to the continued decline in the work of the Ministry of Pensions, full regard is paid to war service and to the qualifications required for the work to be performed.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEIs the right hon. Gentleman quite certain that some of these officers who have been retained are not distinctly less efficient and are being retained because they have a longer period of service—namely, during the War.
§ Mr. ROBERTSI do not think that is so. Efficiency is the first consideration.
Lieut. - Colonel WATTS - MORGANWill the Minister make some inquiries with regard to this matter, as it has already been stated and admitted in the House that such questions should be attended to without delay?
Sir F. HALLHow many medical officers who served overseas have been discharged in the past six months?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI could not answer the latter supplementary without some notice. With regard to the other suggestion, it will certainly be looked into.