Colonel NEWMANasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what was the gross monthly cost for pay and allowances in 1914 and 1921, respectively, of officers employed at the War Office; when is it proposed to reduce the present cost to the pre-War level, allowing for increase in daily rates of pay; and whether a large number of officers now at the War Office are doing the work of displaced civilian clerks?
§ Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe gross monthly cost for pay and allowances of officers employed at the War Office was in 1914 £12,500, and is in 1921 £35,000. It is impossible to say when the present cost will be reduced to the pre-War level, allowing for increase in rates of pay, but my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the staff of the War Office is subjected to constant and careful review, and reductions effected from time to time as the pressure of work permits. It is incorrect to suppose that any officers at the War Office are doing the work of displaced civilian clerks. During the War officers who were temporarily unfit for 59W duty with their regiments were in the interest of economy employed in the War Office instead of doing nothing while convalescing, and clerks were thereby saved. This practice has long ago ceased, and officers are employed at the War Office solely on work which is appropriate to officers.