HC Deb 11 June 1941 vol 372 cc174-5
16. Sir P. Hurd

asked the Minister of Information what is the present staff at his Ministry; and how many men and women of age-groups already called up are now employed there?

Mr. Cooper

The staff of the Ministry, excluding the Postal and Telegraph Censorship, numbered 1,801 on 31st May, 1941. Of these, 290 are men born in the years 1904 to 1922 and 90 women born in 1919 and 1920.

Sir P. Hurd

Why are they not called up? Why are they kept at the Ministry when so many of them might be doing other service for the country?

Mr. Cooper

Civil servants are in a reserved occupation. A great many of them have received their notices, but they have not yet been called up. In only nine cases have exemptions been applied for.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Does not Goebbels regard his Ministry as the most important part of the army service?

22. Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Minister of Information what numbers of employés are engaged in the working of the British Broadcasting Corporation at a town of which he is aware; how many of them are British subjects by birth; how many are over military age; how much billeting allowance is paid for them; whether they have any London residence or not; and what are the hours of work and what leave is given?

Mr. Cooper

It has not been possible, in the short time available since this Question appeared on the Order Paper, to complete the necessary inquiries, but I will communicate to my hon. Friend the information asked for as soon as it is received.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Will it be circulated?