§ 54. Mr. HARMSWORTHasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how the total number of persons now employed in Government Departments compares with the corresponding figure in November last year?
Mr. McNElLLParticulars of the staffs of Government Departments are now published quarterly. I am sending my hon. Friend copies of Command Papers 2579 and 2759 containing the returns for the 1st October, 1925, and the 1st October, 1926, which will give him the latest comparison available.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHIn view of the reference to the October circular, will the right hon. Gentleman state whether, having regard to the increases which have taken place in the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health, he is making efforts to get corresponding decreases in the other Ministries; and if not whether be is satisfied with the present position of affairs.
§ Mr. McNEILLIt does not follow that, because the work has increased in one Department it has correspondingly decreased in another.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHI asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he is making efforts to reduce the staffs. I am not referring to the work.
§ Mr. McNEILLWe always endeavour to reduce the staffs to the minimum.