§ 30. Dr. Segalasked the Secretary of State for War what is the total staff at present employed at Cuerden Hall, Preston; and what reductions in establishment have been effected since the duties have diminished to the care of three requisitioned premises.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Shinwell)I understand that my hon. Friend is referring to the staff of the Garrison Engineer, which consists, in addition to the Garrison Engineer himself, of two clerks of works, one clerk, one typist and one driver. As regards the last part of the Question, the Garrison Engineer's responsibilities include a large camp, certain clearance and demolition work, and any other engineer work required in an area of about 240 square miles. The establishment was recently reduced by the abolition of one clerk of works post.
§ Dr. SegalWhile I thank the Minister for that reply, may I ask if he is aware that this is only one other instance of many hundreds of cases of spivs in uniform for which his Department has been directly responsible?
§ Mr. ShinwellI cannot accept that at all, and if my hon. Friend persists in his allegations, he must substantiate them by producing evidence.