§ 2. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Pensions why, in view of his undertaking, single non-disabled men are still being retained in the Special Grants committee branch of the Ministry, whereas married men employed in other branches of the Ministry are being dismissed?
§ Major TRYONI do not know to what undertaking the hon. Member refers. The demobilisation of the temporary male clerical staff is proceeding strictly on the lines of the recommendations of Lord Lytton's Committee, the first of which was the consideration of efficiency. Frequent changes due to demobilisation in the staff employed on special grants work have made it necessary in the interests of efficiency to suspend, for the time being, the issue of further notices to the temporary clerks who are experienced in that work. I would add that all the single temporary clerks concerned have been in receipt of disability pensions.
§ 3. Mr. MORRISONalso asked the Minister of Pensions how many married overseas men have been discharged from the Ministry during the past 12 months; how many are at present under notice; and, in view of the present scarcity of clerical employment, will he consider their temporary retention until the Joint Substitution Board has found alternative employment?
§ Major TRYONApproximately 150 married men with overseas service have been discharged during the past 12 months, and about 50 men in the same category are at present under notice. I regret that I should not be justified in retaining even temporarily staff for whom there is no work.