§ Sir G. Foxasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the number of temporary civil servants, particularly of the shorthand-typist class, still retained in the wartime Ministries; whether, in view of the shortage of shorthand-typists, he will make immediate arrangements to release a large proportion of this wartime staff; and whether he will give an assurance that these girls will be freed from Government employment with at least no less favourable treatment than girls in the Fighting Services.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallThe numbers of temporary staff in all Government Departments, including the wartime Ministries, are under continuous review and reductions are being made and will continue to be made at all levels as opportunity serves. I would point out, however, that the shortage of shorthand-typists, to which the hon. Member refers, is also affecting the Civil Service, and no large scale release of shorthand-typists from the Service generally is likely for some time. In reply to the last part of the Question, I am not sure what exactly the hon. Member has in mind, but if he is thinking of the demobilisation gratuities and other benefits available for members of the Armed Forces on discharge, these arrangements were not intended for those serving under the Crown in a purely civilian capacity.