HC Deb 12 November 1928 vol 222 cc483-4
81. Mr. KELLY

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of men employed in the Enemy Debts Department?

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

The number of staff employed in the Enemy Debts Department at home and abroad is 511. Of these, 480 are men.

Mr. KELLY

Does that mean that there has been a reduction during the last six months?

Mr. WILLIAMS

I cannot give six months figures, but on 1st January there were 631, on 1st June, 598, and now there are 511, so that there is a progressive reduction.

Mr. MALONE

Are these gross or net figures?

Mr. WILLIAMS

I really do not know what is the difference between the gross and the net figures.

90. Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOK

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the annual cost to the public of a Department for the recovery of enemy debts; and whether he will inquire as to the necessity for the retention of this Department?

Mr. WILLIAMS

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to pages 5-8 of the Civil Estimates, Class IX. The Department does not involve any cost to the Exchequer, the expense being met by appropriations in aid derived from fees. It must necessarily be retained until the various treaty and statutory obligations relating to its work have been carried out, but the desirability of a rapid completion of the work is fully recognised and all possible steps are taken to ensure this.

Mr. KELLY

Are any commissions paid for this work, and do those engaged upon it devote their whole time to the service of the Government?

Mr. WILLIAMS

I think that that has been the subject of numerous previous questions to which a full answer has already been given.