HC Deb 30 July 1947 vol 441 cc431-2
6. Mr. Granville Sharp

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total number of staff now employed at the control office depot and training centre at Bletchley; how many individuals without previous Control Commission experience are being trained at the depot at the present time; and how many other individuals are there and for what purpose.

Mr. Bevin

The staff still numbers 190, but is being progressively reduced to match the reduction in recruitment. Of the present staff, 49 are partly engaged in the provision of common services for other Departments using the camp in which the Centre is situated. Last week there were 95 students, 86 of whom were without previous Control Commission experience, and nine had previously served in the Commission in a military capacity, and are now taking up civilian appointments. Like the others, these nine went to Bletchley for documentation and record purposes as well as for training from which they can still profit.

Mr. Sharp

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the presence of all these people at Bletchley is really necessary?

Mr. Bevin

I am looking into it.' I have been watching the Bletchley organisation. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that a lot of the people at Bletchley are not employed by the Foreign Office. Therefore, I am looking into the whole problem.

Forward to