HC Deb 10 December 1925 vol 189 c639
18. Mr. KENNEDY

asked the Minister of Pensions on what date approval was given to the appointment of two principal assistant secretaries to the Ministry of Pensions: whether the volume of work had at that time commenced to decline, and has continued to decline each year: and whether there is any reason for the retention of two principal assistant secretaries in the Department?

Major TRYON

A post as second secretary was authorised by the Treasury on the 28th April, 1920. Authority was given for the conversion of this post into one for a principal assistant secretary and for the creation of a second post on that grade on the 10th October, 1921 The volume, though not the complexity, of the work of the Ministry had already shown a decline, and the decline has since continued. The number of principal officers at Ministry Headquarters was recently reduced by two, and I am entirely satisfied that there is sufficient responsible work to necessitate the retention of the officers referred to.