§ Sir J. FERGUSONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been directed to the increase in the number of civil servants as at 31st October; and will he, in view of the necessity for economy, cause a fresh inquiry to be made without delay with the object of effecting a reduction in numbers?
§ Major ELLIOTYes, Sir. I find that the increase in the number of civil servants as at 31st October last was due primarily to the increase in the unemployment live register, increased postal delivery work, and increased tasks in connection with the collection of the Inland Revenue. I would remind my hon. Friend that barely six months have elapsed since the Committee on National Expenditure completed its survey of the whole field of Civil Service administration. I do not think that any advantage would be gained from a further inquiry at the present time.