§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Secretary of State for War the number of serving soldiers employed as clerks in his Department; and if he is prepared to replace these by the employment of suitably qualified ex-service men?
§ Mr. WALSHThere are at present 112 serving soldiers employed as clerks at the War Office. Some of these men are required to be trained for service overseas in war time, and it is not possible,1800W therefore, to replace them altogether by ex-soldiers who would not be liable for such service, but the establishment is now under review.
§ Viscount CURZONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 150 ex-service temporary clerks in the Department have received notice of discharge; and whether he can suspend their discharge pending the issue of the Southborough Report?
§ Mr. WALSHApproximately 60 men are under notice of discharge by 31st March. The discharges have been authorised in the interests of economy and in consequence of reduction in the volume of work, and I much regret that I should not be justified in suspending them. The Noble Lord is no doubt, aware of the constant criticism to which the War Office, in common with other Departments of State, is subjected on account of the necessary retention of staffs required to deal with current work, and in the public interest I must take every legitimate opportunity of effecting reductions. I am not aware that any further report by the Southborough Committee is likely to be issued in the near future.