§ Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Minister of Pensions how many members of the staff are now accommodated in the new building at Acton; and whether he has now been able, in co-operation with local or other authorities, to make provision for housing accommodation in the district for those who need it?
§ Major TRYONThe Ministry's staff at Acton numbers 4,800. As regards the last part of the question, I am afraid I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend on the 29th June last, when he was informed that schemes for the erection of a number of houses in the neighbourhood of Acton had been approved by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, but that the allotment of the houses rested with the local authorities concerned.
§ Mr. PIELOUasked the Minister of Pensions if he will take the necessary steps to see that the 29 most highly-paid persons who are not ex-service men shall be transferred or removed and their places filled by men who served the country during the War in the forces?
§ Major TRYONIn my reply to the hon. Member on the 8th instant I stated that 29 of the 45 most highly-paid officials in the Ministry are ex-service men. The remaining 16 are all established civil servants of considerable experience, and it would not be in the interests of the work of the Ministry or the State to remove them from their present duties.