§ Mr. SITCHasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the possibility of staffing the Army pay offices with civilian labour; and whether he will offer all such positions to discharged and disabled soldiers?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt is not possible to staff Army pay offices exclusively with civilian labour in view of the requirements of foreign and active service, but at the present time these offices are staffed with civilian labour, male and female, to the extent of 75 per cent. Owing to the reduction of staff which is proceeding, fresh appointments are not numerous, but in filling them priority is always given to discharged and disabled soldiers.