HC Deb 12 November 1929 vol 231 cc1754-5W
Sir K. WOOD

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many men have been given notice of discharge in the record and pay office at Woolwich; and whether he is prepared to reconsider the same or find other work for the men so affected?

Mr. SHINWELL

Certain reductions of staff are necessary owing to a re arrangement of the pay work in the pay offices. In this connection a reduction of four clerks has already been made in the pay and record office at Woolwich and at present four are under warning. Clerks whose discharge is impending are noted on a special register for alternative employment, where possible within the Command area, and their names are also submitted to the Joint Substitution Board for the further employment of ex-service men under the Government. Of the four clerks already affected by the reduction, one was transferred to fill a vacancy elsewhere in the office, one was given other employment under the War Department and two were found work in other Government offices. Of the four under warning, one will be transferred to other work in the office. Offers of employment at Feltham and Canterbury have been made to the other three now under warning but have not been accepted.