HC Deb 01 May 1951 vol 487 cc975-6
5. Colonel Gomme-Duncan

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the purpose of the visit of two women officials from the War Office to the Record Office, Perth, on Wednesday, 11th April; what was the length of their stay in Perth; and what was the cost to public funds of their visit.

Mr. M. Stewart

One male clerk and one female assistant welfare officer visited Perth Record Office on 11th April for one day to interview a group of young women who are to be trained in London as machine operators for work in Perth. The clerk went to give information about the training course and to deal with questions and arrangements regarding pay and allowances. The welfare officer went to explain the arrangements that would be made for lodging the girls in London and to answer any questions from them or their parents. The cost of their visit was £17 8s.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that this is a most disgraceful waste of public money? Why could not they have written to the commanding officer and given him the details? Is he not capable of looking after these eight people under his command?

Mr. Stewart

These girls are recruited and trained as part of the process of mechanising the record offices. We have found that it is not satisfactory to bring them to the training courses in London unless proper arrangements are made for their accommodation and that both they and their parents are satisfied that has been done. The parents have expressed appreciation of what was done in this case. I think that they would be rather surprised at the attitude taken by the hon. and gallant Member. If Questions are asked about every routine visit of administration in a Department, it will impose such a burden by way of keeping records that it will make economy impossible.

Mr. Low

If Questions are asked about these matters, may it not reduce a lot of very unnecessary expenditure?

Mr. Stewart

This one certainly would not, because this was both necessary and proper expenditure.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

What is the purpose of having an officer in charge of records if he is not able to do this?

Mr. Stewart

This was a question of personal explanation of the arrangements made in London. That was why it was necessary to send officials down.