§ Mr. Ammonasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the amount of overtime worked by clerical and sub-clerical grades in Government Departments during the last year; the reasons for the need for such overtime; and, in view of the national problem of unemployment, what steps have been taken to abolish this evil and to staff the Departments concerned on a proper basis?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleThe latest period for which statistics are at present available is the year ended 31st March, 1936, and in that year the total amount paid for overtime in clerical and sub clerical grades, including typing staffs, was £414,000, distributed over an average total staff of about 95,000. Overtime arises from various causes, but usually it is incurred to meet the needs of the 1185W public service, such as a sudden expansion of work, or in circumstances where the employment of additional staff is not immediately practicable or could not be justified by reason of the purely temporary character of the requirement. The hon. Member may rest assured that establishments are constantly under review to ensure that additional staff is authorised as soon as it is found to be justified, and that overtime is kept within the narrowest possible limits. I may add that during the 12 months ended 31st March, 1936, the clerical and sub-clerical establishments were increased by 4,900 posts.