§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) what proportion the 132 assistant clerks employed by the National Insurance Commissioners who have been 899W allowed to join His Majesty's Forces bear to the total number of such clerks employed by the Commissioners; and (2) if he is aware that requests by assistant clerks employed by the National Insurance Commissioners for permission to join the new Army have been repeatedly met with the answer that nothing can yet be said; that some applicants have been placed in an invidious position, as, in expectation of an early decision when their applications were made, they asked friends in the Civil Service to delay their enlistment in order that they might complete their training together; that an office memorandum was issued on 25th November to the effect that permission could be given to only seven second division clerks and forty-three assistant clerks in addition to those whose applications had already been sanctioned; and that applicants now fear that, unless permission is granted quickly, the opportunity of serving their country in the new Army may have passed; and, in view of these facts and for the encouragement of other employers, will the Treasury make special efforts to modify their attitude in cases where the duties of applicants are of a kind which can be performed by temporary clerks?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe total number of assistant clerks in the Department referred to is 516, and arrangements have already been made to increase the number allowed to volunteer for military service to 154. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that my hon. Friend has nothing to add to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Sunderland on 23rd November last.