§ 51. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what has been the increase in the number of officials in Government Departments as the result of legislation passed during the present Session of Parliament; and what is the approximate annual increase in salaries in consequence?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)I would refer the hon. Member to the quarterly staff returns furnished to the House in which he will find the numbers of the Civil staffs employed at the beginning of each quarter with the explanation of any increases which may have occurred since the preceding quarter.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEWhen I refer to the explanation of the statement to which the hon. Gentleman refers me, I find a very considerable increase both in numbers and in expense. When do the Government intend to implement their promise in regard to retrenchment?