HC Deb 31 May 1932 vol 266 c982
65. Sir W. PRESTON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what would be the approximate annual saving if the present clerical staff at the Admiralty was reduced by 25 per cent.?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lord Stanley)

If it were possible to reduce the clerical staff by 25 per cent. the saving in salaries would be approximately £91,000 per annum.

Sir W. PRESTON

Will the Noble Lord ask his advisers at the Admiralty whether they would not welcome the clerical staff being reduced to what it was in pre-War days?

Lord STANLEY

We are only keeping the staff that we consider necessary for the duties they are expected to perform

Sir W. PRESTON

Is it not common talk that the Admiralty is stiff with men who are doing no work?

Lord STANLEY

I cannot accept that statement.