§ 47. Mr. Marloweasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many persons who have been enrolled in the Control Commission in Germany have not yet proceeded to take up their posts there; how many of these have been maintained on pay in this country awaiting posting for periods exceeding two weeks, four weeks and six weeks, respectively; and what is the approximate total weekly cost of maintaining such persons in this country.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)On 19th October 3,613 persons were waiting to go to posts in Germany. Of these 748 have been on pay for less than two weeks, 501 from two to four weeks, 400 from four to six weeks and 1,964 for over six weeks. Their total weekly pay amounted to just over £20,000. Movement to Germany is now proceeding rapidly: the number of persons waiting in this country should be reduced by at least 1,000 within the next seven days and the number will continue to decrease rapidly thereafter. A period of about three weeks is in any case needed for kitting, inoculations against disease and necessary instruction preparatory to going to Germany.
§ Mr. MarloweDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that it is deplorable that something over a thousand should have been maintained on pay here for over six weeks; and in view of the fact that the Control Commission is already over staffed will he cut that figure down as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. HyndThe answer indicates that we are cutting it down as quickly as possible, but I would not like to give the impression that I am at all satisfied with the situation. At the same time, I ask the House to recognise that the staffing of the Control Commission in Germany is an extremely difficult operation. We must have some regard to synchronisation in replacing Army personnel in Germany; the necessity for economising in German accommodation, which would be duplicated if the staff went over too rapidly; and also it should be borne in mind that a certain number are more urgently required in Germany than others. We cannot guarantee that the staff can be sent over strictly in relation to the time that they have been waiting in this country.