HC Deb 14 December 1926 vol 200 cc2759-60
36. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it. is proposed to effect any economy in the finance branch of the Ministry of Pensions in view of the large number of officers of the rank of higher executive and above in that branch and the falling Volume of work in the Ministry of Pensions?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)

Staff economies which are justified by the fall in the Volume of work will be effected not only in the finance branch but in other branches of the Ministry.

37. Mr. DENNISON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he intends to make further appointments of established officers in substitution for officers of the P class as area and deputy chief area officers; and what is the estimated extra cost to public funds of this policy during the current financial year?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

It may be necessary from time to time to effect transfers of established officers to other posts in the Ministry as the fall in the Volume of work may necessitate, and it is not administratively possible to exclude area offices from the field of consideration for such transfers. There is no additional charge on public funds involved in the appointments to which the hon. Member refers, the established officers mentioned haying become available for appointment in area offices in consequence of savings effected in other branches of the Ministry.

38. Mr. DENNISON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that the established officers of the rank of higher executive and above, appointed as area and deputy-chief area officers at an increased cost to the public purse, are without experience of area office administration, he will say what steps he is taking to ensure that their inexperience shall not act adversely to the interests of the widows, dependants, and disabled men who have to attend area offices for advice and assistance?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

As I have already informed the hon. Member, these appointments do not involve any additional charge on public funds. No established officer without experience of local administration has been appointed as chief area office or deputy chief area officer, and the hon. Member need have no fear that there will be any diminution in the care and attention devoted to the interests of the ex-service man and his dependants.