§ 26. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the reason for the increase of the civil staff by 35 as on the 1st May, 1925, and by what date it is expected that the staff will be reduced to normal proportions?
Mr. DAVIDSONThis unusual increase is due to the temporary loan of a number of second-class draughtsmen from the dockyards to the Admiralty to deal with some design work. The rules at present governing the preparation of the staff returns are such that draughtsmen of this grade are classified as industrial staff when at the dockyards, but as headquarters, that is, non-industrial staff, when employed at the Admiralty. The staff will be reduced to normal proportions when these men return to the dockyards on the completion of this particular work.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONCan the hon. Gentleman say if any definite steps are being taken to reduce this large staff at the Admiralty at the present time?
§ Sir R. HAMILTONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that two years ago I was informed, in an answer in this House by his predecessor at the Admiralty, it was expected that the staff would be reduced to normal proportions at the end of 1923?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the hon. Gentleman aware that if a reduction of staff takes place, it will bring about tremendous hardship, and before any reduction takes place, will the Government see that there are jobs for the men, or else retain them where they are?