§ Sir F. SYKESasked the Secretary of State for War the numbers and cost of staff employed on he inspection of ammunition and explosives; and what work of this nature, if any, is carried out by the War Office for the other service Departments?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIn the current year, the War Department staff employed on the inspection of ammunition and explosives is approximately 1,200, and their cost approximately £150,000. Ammunition of War Department pattern used by the other service Departments, such as small arms ammunition, is inspected by the Army, and, in addition, high explosive bombs used by the Air Ministry.
§ Sir F. SYKESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the numbers and cost of the staff employed on the inspection of 349W ammunition and explosives; and what work of this nature, if any, is carried out by the Admiralty for the other service Departments?
Mr. DAVIDSONThe estimated cost of inspection of naval armament stores, including guns, ammunition and propellants, both new stores received from contract and made and repaired in Government factories, and also stores already in the service, afloat and in depots, is, for 1926–27, approximately £181,000. The cost of inspection of ammunition and explosives as distinct from guns is not available. The number of staff, including clerical and industrial staff, is 970. The cost of inspection for Air Service and other Departments of the Government is negligible.