§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Prime Minister's letter to employers, it is proposed to persist in the intention to reduce the Civil Service during the next five years; and, if so, whether any steps are contemplated for the purpose of obtaining alternative employment for the civil servants who are dismissed as the result of the policy of reduction?
1954W
§ Mr. CHURCHILLHis Majesty's Government have no intention of suspending the scheme now in operation for the reduction, in the interests of public economy, of the staffs of Civil Departments by approximately 11,000 over the period of five years from 1st April, 1927. There is nothing in the terms of the Prime Minister's letter to employers inconsistent with the carrying out of this programme. It is anticipated that the reduction will be affected, to a considerable extent, by the restriction of new entrants and the suppression of posts as they fall vacant. In so far, however, as it may be found necessary to dispense with the services of temporary staffs, when the work on which they are engaged comes to an end, every effort will be made, through the medium of existing special machinery, to provide them with alternative further employment.