§ 7. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War why no extra staff has been employed in the pay offices of the Royal Army Pay Corps, in view of the increase in work due to the recent increase in pay and marriage allowances; and whether any extra mechanical assistance is employed or will be employed in the offices?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThis work, which has to be completed by the end of this month, is of such a nature that it can be performed only by experienced staff, and the addition of unskilled labour would, therefore, be of no assistance. The staffs of regimental pay offices have been augmented as far as possible by personnel who have recently completed their training at the School of Instruction and by the temporary diversion of staff from offices not affected by the increases. 904 Some additional mechanical assistance is being employed for the purpose of giving effect to the changes.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, in fact, a great deal of overtime is being worked, and will he indicate how long the overtime is likely to continue?
§ Sir V. WarrenderI should like notice of that question.