§ 50. Mr. BATEYasked the Prime Minister why the office of Parliamentary Secretary of Pensions has been filled, seeing that no appointment was made 504 during the last two and a-half years, and this Government is pledged to economy?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis post has never been abolished, and I am satisfied that the best interests of the administration are served by the appointment of a Parliamentary Secretary.
§ Mr. BATEYHas there been an increase in the number of ex-service men drawing pensions or an increase in the staff, to necessitate this appointment after two and a-half years?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe work during the past two years has been somewhat in arrears.