HC Deb 10 February 1953 vol 511 c218
53. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War how many persons are now employed at the War Office; and how this figure compares with that of 12 months ago.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

The strength on 1st January this year was 7,107. This is 315 less than the figure for 1st January, 1952.

Mr. Swingler

But can the hon. Gentleman say whether he thinks it possible to carry out by the end of the financial year the 10 per cent. reduction which the Minister pledged himself to carry out at the beginning of the financial year?

Mr. Hutchison

The hon. Gentleman will remember, I have no doubt, that my right hon. Friend gave as his objective a 10 per cent. reduction at the time of the Estimates. The Estimates for this year will be introduced shortly and I think the hon. Gentleman will find, when he compares those two figures, that the target of my right hon. Friend will be very nearly achieved.