33. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Works the total number of people employed by him outside the British Isles; and what was the cost to the Exchequer in the years 1939 and 1949, respectively.
§ Mr. StokesThe number of staff employed abroad is 115, of whom 72 are locally engaged. The cost of staff overseas in 1939 was £8,500. compared with £120,000 in 1949.
§ Mr. StokesYes, Sir; to a vast increase of work. The amount undertaken in 1949 was over £2 million. A great deal of war damage had to be repaired. I have informed the House that in the past 12 months I have reduced the overseas staff by 28 people and salaries by £15,400.