§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Labour whether it has been decided by the Ministry that disabled ex-soldiers who have been employed for a number of years as temporary clerks and, as a consequence of proved ability and conscientious service promoted to Grade II clerkships, have carried out their duties efficiently since 1920, now reduced to Grade III clerkships, with a consequent reduction of wages; and whether, if this be not the policy of the Ministry, he will inquire into the matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo general question of policy here arises. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the number of temporary clerks employed in a particular grade must depend on the volume of the work and on the extent to which permanent officers become available for supervisory duties. The staff of the Ministry has fallen during the last six months from 23,302 to 18,212, with the result that the number of supervisory posts for temporary clerks has been automatically reduced. The Department has 705W therefore no option but either to terminate the appointment of the redundant supervisory temporary officer or to offer him a post on a lower grade.