HC Deb 23 May 1932 vol 266 c14
25. Mr. MANDER

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the latest figure of the number of officials who have been transferred from other Departments to the Department of Customs and Excise and elsewhere as a result of the passage of the Import Duties Act, and the number newly engaged?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Elliot)

I have been asked to reply. The number of officials transferred from other Departments to the Customs and Excise Department since the 1st October, 1931, is 699, and the number newly engaged during the same period is 477. I would point out, however, that these numbers represent recruitment for the work of the Department as a whole and include making good normal wastage. As regards the Import Duties Advisory Committee, all the staff required have been obtained by transfer from other Departments; I am giving particulars regarding the number and grading of the staff of the committee in answer to the hon. Member's question No. 42.

Mr. MANDER

Can my right hon. Friend say who is now carrying on the work previously done by the 600 men transferred from other Departments? Has the work ceased, or who is doing it?

Major ELLIOT

We are continually carrying out researches as to how the staff in the Departments can be cut down.

Mr. LAMBERT

Are there not far too many Civil Service officials?