HC Deb 07 November 1944 vol 404 cc1248-9
60. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of officers employed in his Department on 3rd September, 1939, and 3rd September, 1944, respectively.

Sir J. Grigg

On 31st August, 1939, there were about 690 military officers on the War Office establishment. On 30th September of this year there were 2,829. The number of civilians in equivalent posts on those dates was approximately 340 and 1,642.

66. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers are employed in his Department on Home Guard duties.

Sir J. Grigg

Two officers are employed entirely on Home Guard work. Twenty-six further officers devote varying but appreciable amounts of their time to work directly connected with the Home Guard. These figures include serving officers, retired officers, and civilians of equivalent status.

Mr. Bellenger

Is it proposed, in view of the stand-down for the Home Guard, to reduce the amount of work—and, of course, paper work as well—at the Home Office?

Sir J. Grigg

As the administration of the Home Guard has been so very largely decentralised, the number of officers in the War Office is comparatively small; but when the process of standing down is completed, the figures will of course be reduced.