§ 57. Sir R. THOMASasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, in view of the fact that the staffs of the Civil Departments have been reduced by 7,000 during the three years to 1st April, 1927, and that the suppression of 11,000 more posts is contemplated, if he will state whether steps have been taken, and will be taken, to find other employment for the officials dismissed and, if so, through what channels; and whether ex-service men are retained in preference to others?
Mr. SAMUELIt is anticipated that the reduction of 11,000 posts in Civil Departments will be effected to a considerable extent by the restriction of new entrants and the suppression of posts as they fall vacant. In so far as it may be necessary to dispense with the services of temporary staff on the termination of the duties on which they are now employed, every effort will be made to find further employment for them. In the case of temporary ex-service personnel, the machinery of the Joint Substitution Board will continue to be utilised. Special arrangements have recently been made to facilitate the find- 1695 ing of further employment for redundant temporary typing staffs. As regards the last part of the question, the existing order of preference will be maintained.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Government so far have failed to find work for those men whom they sent to China last year?
§ Mr. AMMONDo the proposed reductions include those that will be due to the introduction of automatic telephones?
§ Mr. AMMONIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that automatic telephones are being installed, and that the Postmaster-General has stated that the change will displace certain numbers of the staff?
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNCan the hon. Gentleman say whether these arrangements apply to the 145 ex-service men recently dismissed from the Ministry of Health?