§ Mr. HACKINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how he accounts for the increase of the civil staff of his Department as compared with January and October last year?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThe true increase since January, 1929, is 10 only, of which five represent additional staff necessitated by a growth in the work of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, whilst the remaining five are due to a net increase in requirements in other departments of the Ministry. The difference between the true increase of 10 and the apparent increase of 21 shown in the return, which I imagine the hon. Member has in mind, is caused by the substitution in certain posts of civilians in place of Royal Air Force officers with a resultant saving in cost.