HC Deb 18 February 1946 vol 419 cc767-8
19. Colonel Erroll

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production what was the total number of civil servants of all grades employed in his Department on 1st January, 1946; and the total number employed in connection with the Government's housing components programme.

The Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production (Mr. John Wilmot)

The number of non-industrial civil servants of all grades employed in my Department on 1st January, 1946, was 59,933. The number employed directly on the Government's housing components programme was 231. In addition, this work affects a considerable number of staff who provide common services, such as finance, progressing and transport.

Colonel Erroll

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that as long ago as last August he promised an urgent review of staffing requirements, and that since that date there has been practically no reduction in the number of staff in his almost entirely redundant Ministry?

Mr. Wilmot

On the contrary there has been a considerable reduction of staff in Ministries which are not quite redundant.

20. Colonel Erroll

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production the numbers of Army and R.A.F. officers, respectively, filling technical appointments on the establishment of his Department, at the latest convenient date; and the number of these officers holding technical qualifications up to the standard of a university honours degree or its Service equivalent.

Mr. Wilmot

On 1st January, 1946, 753 and 395 respectively. Of these, Army officers held technical qualifications up to the standard of a university honours degree or its Service equivalent and.69 R.A.F. officers held university honours degrees.

Colonel Erroll

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to publish such figures separately in future when giving statistics of staff employed by his Ministry?

Mr. Wilmot

I do not think that would be very desirable.