§ Mr. NIELDasked the hon. Member for the Saffron Walden Division, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, how many of the staff of the Department have enlisted in the Anti-Aircraft Force; how many of these men have been withdrawn from their departmental work during official hours by reason of their duties in the Aircraft Force, and for what periods; and whether a sum of 7s. weekly or what sum has been deducted by the Department from the salaries of these persons, whether or not any official time has been lost by them?
§ Mr. BECKOne hundred and thirty-four members of the Office of Works staff are serving in the Anti-aircraft Corps. They are regarded as being primarily at the disposal of the Admiralty, but, as their duties have to be performed almost entirely at night, there has, in fact, been little interference with their civil duties. The sum of 7s. weekly has been deducted from their civil salaries, but the question what the deduction should be in future is receiving further consideration in view of changes recently made in the duties of the force.