§ 18. Sir John Graham Kerrasked the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of salaried posts connected with camouflage work, and their scale of salaries; how many of those appointed to such posts are professional artists; and what provisions are made for their undergoing a course of instruction in the science of camouflage?
§ Sir J. AndersonAs the answer is long and contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, arrange for it to be circulated in the Official Report.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The following technical officers are engaged at the Civil Defence Camouflage Establishment on work for which qualifications as painters are required:
| Salary. | ||
| 1 | Chief Camouflage Officer | £900 per annum. |
| 1 | Deputy Chief Camouflage Officer. | £700 per annum. |
| 26 | Camouflage Officers | £350–£500 (1 with additional allowance). |
| 16 | Senior Technical Assistants. | £5–£6 per week. |
| 21 | Junior Technical Assistants— | |
| Men | £3 13s. 6d. per week. | |
| Women | £2 18s. 0d. per week. |
§ With the exception of three camouflage officers and one senior technical assistant, all these officers are either professional artists or at the time of recruitment were students in training at art schools. I know of no course of instruction in the science of camouflage which they could take: but they are guided in their work by the scientists and engineers who are associated with them.
§ 20. Sir J. Graham Kerrasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the establishment of the scientific principles which determine the effectiveness of camouflage is the work of biological specialists in this subject; that one of the leading authorities in this specialised branch of science is a British subject; and whether steps have been or will be taken to ensure that his full-time services shall be available to the country during the present emergency?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am aware that biological science has made an important contribution to the study of camouflage, 288 and I have invited a British biologist to serve on the Camouflage Committee. He has accepted my invitation and will, I have no doubt, be ready to give to the matter as much of his time as may be required.