§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Minister of Munitions what was the numerical strength of the Trench Warfare Supply Drawing Office and the Trench Warfare Design Drawing Office on the 1st July, 1917, and on the 1st May, 1918, respectively, or the amalgamated office of these drawing offices on the latter date, with the names of any employés dismissed or transferred, with reason for such dismissal 998W or transfer, respectively; have any employés in such offices or the amalgamated office resigned during such period either voluntarily or pursuant to request; and, if so, what are the names of such officers?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe staff employed in the Trench Warfare Design Drawing Office on 1st July, 1917, was sixteen. The staff employed in the Trench Warfave Supply Drawing Office on the same date was thirty-four The two drawing offices were amalgamated on 1st January, 1918, with a total staff of fifty-one. On 1st May, 1918, the staff numbered fifty-eight, and on the 29th May fifty-four. During the period one officer was dismissed owing to temporary reduction of work, coupled with the fact that his presence militated against the harmonious working of the drawing office. He was given the option of a transfer to another drawing office in the Ministry, but refused to avail himself of the offer. Eighteen officers were transferred during the period to other Government Departments and two joined His Majesty's Forces for active military service. These transfers were consequent upon fluctuations in the work. Seven officers voluntarily resigned, and two officers were requested to resign, as it was not considered that their work was of a sufficiently high standard. I do not consider it desirable to publish the names of the officers concerned.