Sir DAVID DAVIESasked the Pensions Minister whether he intends, when the new Welsh region of the Ministry of Pensions is formed, to transfer the staff required from London; whether he is aware that friction may be caused by their lack of knowledge of the Welsh language and of the local conditions peculiar to Wales, whilst this action will be resented by the Welsh people, as there are in Wales sufficient discharged Welshmen with the necessary qualifications, and without these disadvantages, to fill the positions thereby created; and whether he will therefore take the necessary steps to avoid this mistake being made?
§ Sir J. CRAIGFour sections of the Wales region already established have been formed out of Welsh-speaking people. As regards the awarding sections only those persons possessing experience and technical knowledge will be transferred from London. It is hoped to recruit the 2037W remainder of the staff locally, and in making appointments preference will, of course, be given to Welshmen who have served during the War.