§ 49. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Government are paying high salaries for unskilled work in the Fighting Services and, in one case of which he has been given information, £1,000 per annum for ordinary clerical work; and what steps have been taken to compel the Services to grade their men according to their ability?
§ Mr. AttleeThe three Services in their own interest make every effort to grade men according to their abilities. It is not correct to describe this payment as "for ordinary clerical work." It is the balance of the man's civil pay.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs it not a misuse of a man's capacity to be put on unskilled work if he is capable of earning such a high salary in civil life?
§ Mr. BellengerWill my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of employing Sir William Beveridge to inquire into the use of man-power in the Services and take up questions of this sort which are not by any means isolated?
§ Mr. AttleeI will bring that point to the notice of my right hon. Friend.