§ 46. Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider winding up the work of the Ministry of Pensions, and transferring such as is left to it to some other Department?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not satisfied that the time has yet arrived when a separate Department for the administration of War pensions could be dispensed with. The work of the Ministry could not be reduced arbitrarily.
§ Mr. SMITHIf the right hon. Gentleman is not able to consider the winding up of the Ministry of Pensions will he give consideration to the question whether further economies can be made in the administration of the Ministry, seeing that the work is becoming gradually less from year to year?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis Ministry was considered at the time when we asked the Departments to look into their expenses to see what we could save. If my hon. Friend has any specific point to put in connection with that matter, it will be considered.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the process of reducing this Department considerable hardship is being caused to senior members of the staff, who are not being given the opportunity to transfer to other Departments as in the case of officials of the Ministry of Labour?
Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs it not the opinion of all ex-service men that this Department should be maintained?