§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that the Association of Engineering and Shipbuilding Draughtsmen, to which the draughtsmen it is proposed to substitute by ex-service men at Farnborough belong, maintains that the Lytton Report does not apply to draughtsmen; whether he has been advised to the contrary; and, 746W if so, on what authority has this advice been tendered?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, I am in no doubt that the recommendations of the Lytton Committee were intended to cover technical staff.
§ Mr. YOUNGalso asked the Secretary of State for Air whether be has consulted heads of Departments regarding the substitution of draughtsmen at Farnborough: w nether they have advised him that the efficiency of the drawing office concerned will not suffer by such substitution; and, if he has not consulted the opinions of the heads of Departments at Farnborough, will he do so before further discharges take place?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe decisions with regard to the substitution of non-service staff have been taken after full consideration of the views of the responsible officers. Whilst I am aware that substitution may in certain instances involve some temporary loss of efficiency, I see no reason to depart from the policy of His Majesty's Government in connection with the recommendations of the Lytton Committee.