HC Deb 24 June 1941 vol 372 cc926-7
35. Mr. Culverwell

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare how many persons are now employed on the staff of his Department?

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dalton)

The number on 1st June was 1,209.

Mr. Culverwell

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think this enormous staff necessary in view of the fact that Germany is in occupation of practically the whole of Europe?

Mr. Dalton

I do not regard the staff as enormous. Recent developments have necessitated an increase of the staff, which has to be set against reductions made in other directions. I would mention, for instance, a considerable increase in recent months in the development of shipping control as a weapon of economic warfare, and the establishment of a surpluses department under Sir F. Leith Ross. There has also been a large increase in the number of navicerts since the Government made these compulsory, and finally a large and very welcome increase in the amount of intelligence material handled in the Ministry of Economic Warfare.

Sir I. Albery

Does the right hon. Gentleman believe that the importance of a Government Department is denoted by the number of personnel?

Mr. Dalton

No, I do not say that.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that this is one of the most efficient Departments in the whole of the Government?