§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Minister of Pensions for what reason the staff of the 1257W Ministry was added to during the month of September last by no fewer than 195 persons; and whether any steps were taken to see whether the existing staff could have been so re-arranged so as to prevent the necessity of further additions to the public burden?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONDuring September, the administrative and clerical staffs employed in London and the Regions were reduced by 175. The staff of hospitals and institutions increased during the month by 370, thus creating a net increase of 195 to the staff of the Ministry A large hospital at Ashurst, with a staff of 218, was taken over during the month from the War Office and involved no extra charge on public funds. The balance of the increase (152) was composed of small additions to numerous other hospitals. Every opportunity is taken of effecting reduction in staff consistent with the efficient performance of the work of the Ministry.