§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state what number of persons, if any, are employed part time at Woolwich Arsenal in clerical work; whether any remuneration is paid or allowed in respect of such employment; if he can state what remuneration, if any, is paid to persons who have regular employment and who work at the Arsenal in the evenings and on Sundays; and whether he will arrange for any clerical work that may be required to be performed, where possible, by men over military age who are out of employment?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEAbout forty, persons are employed part time at Woolwich Arsenal on clerical work. They are remunerated at the same rates as those assigned to persons ordinarily employed full time on similar work. They are employed to provide extra assistance during special times of pressure and to relieve the overworked permanent staff, and for this purpose I think it desirable to employ the most suitable applicants available, irrespective of whether or not they are in other employment.