§ 2. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Secretary of State for War what reductions have been made in the staff for the issue of medals since 30th July last; and what was the number and grade of the staff employed at the end of the last financial year?
§ Commodore KINGThe staff of the Medals Branch at the War Office was 36 on 31st March, 1927, 34 on 30th July, and is now 32. The question of further 246 reductions is being considered in connection with next year's Estimates.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKMay I ask the Financial Secretary to bear in mind the recommendation of the Estimates Committee to make a quick further reduction in the staff?
§ Commodore KINGYes, we have that recommendation in mind.
§ 23. Sir JOHN POWERasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the number of persons engaged at the War Office in the administration of pensions now and in 1913–14 and the percentage cost of such administration to the amount of pensions payable in 1927–28 and in 1913–14, respectively?
§ Commodore KINGThe staff employed at the War Office on the work connected with the administration of the retired pay and pensions of officers and soldiers (including half-pay and widows' pensions) is the equivalent of 16 fulltime employés, compared with 14 in 1913–14, and its cost is 071 per cent. of the amounts payable in 1927 compared with 073 per cent. in 1913–14.