§ 28. Mr. Liddallasked the Secretary of State for War how many of the 356 Press or publicity officers and staff employed by the War Office are part-time employees and of military age; why this number is necessary; what is their cost; and whether he will consider taking steps to cut down the numbers and expenditure involved?
§ Sir J. GriggThe total of 356 to which my hon. Friend refers includes 91 members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service employed on demonstration and recruiting duties, 45 officers and 71 other ranks of the public relations service attached to Home Forces to facilitate publicity coverage of operations by the Field Army, and 28 officers and other ranks forming the publicity staff at the headquarters of Home Commands. The remainder include only 14 men of military age, whose annual cost is approximately £6,000. They are all employed full time.
§ Mr. LiddallIs the Minister satisfied that this, expense is justified? Can he 1792 also say how some of these people were employed in private life?
§ Sir J. GriggMy hon. Friend had better put down a Question.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsHow many of these people were employed in the last war?