40. Lieut. - Commander Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for War why a number of middle aged ex-Service men who are Grade II temporary clerks with some years of experience in pay office routine are being discharged from the Regimental Pay Office in Edinburgh, and are being replaced by young National Service men of the Royal Army Pay Corps.
§ Mr. ShinwellPay offices are staffed by both soldiers and civilians. The greatly increased staffs required during the war were found mainly from civilians. Consequently the reduction of staff which has become possible with the decrease in the size of the Army since the war must of necessity fall largely on the temporary civilian complement. The posting of National Service men as well as Regular soldiers in the Royal Army Pay Corps to pay offices concurrently with the discharge of civilians is necessary because the military element of the staff must be maintained. A military element is required both to carry out the military functions of a pay office, and to maintain a supply of experienced staff for manning overseas pay offices, and for maintaining the nucleus which would be required for expansion in the event of war.
Lieut.-Commander HutchisonIs not the Minister aware that in the last few weeks eight ex-Service men of the 1914–18 war have been discharged, while at the same time no less than 20 National Service men have been taken on at this office?
§ Mr. ShinwellThese readjustments have to take effect because of changed circumstances. I am constantly being pressed to reduce the civilian staff, and when I do so complaint is made. I cannot understand it.