2. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the admitted shortage of skilled clerical staff in the Army, he will institute an inquiry into the possibility of transferring to clerical work soldiers now engaged on work for which they have no special qualifications?
§ Captain MargessonMen possessing special qualifications of this kind are invited to bring them to the notice of their commanding officers, and every effort is made to employ them on duties where their experience will be of most use to the Army. Large numbers of men have already been transferred in this way. My hon. Friend will, however, appreciate that in some cases a man with clerical qualifications may be rendering useful service to the Army in another capacity, and his transfer to clerical duties would not be in the interests of the Service.
Mr. Graham WhiteHas the Committee presided over by Sir William Beveridge yet reported on this matter?
§ Captain MargessonNo, Sir. The Committee was not set up to deal with this matter.