§ Mr. Wheatleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what grounds he has decided to effect a reduction of 32 posts from a total messenger complement of 155 in the Scottish Home Department; and whether, in view of the fact that this grade is recruited entirely from ex-Service men, many of whom are war disabled, he will reconsider his decision.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe reduction in the complement of messengers, as in the numbers of other grades, is being made in fulfilment of the Government's policy of reducing the numbers of the Civil Service to the lowest point compatible with efficiency. Only 14 temporary messengers have been discharged by the Scottish Home Department. Of these four have been re-employed in an industrial capacity and I understand that most of the others have also found employment.