§ Sir W. SUGDENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what are his proposals as to the promotion of S-class clerks to the clerical class in the Department of Health for Scotland; and will be consent to receive a deputation from the London headquarters of the representatives of the men concerned upon the matter;
731W(2) what is the authorised establishment of clerical officers in the Department of Health for Scotland for the financial year from 1st April, 1934, to 31st March, 1935, and the number of clerical officers tat present serving in that Department?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe authorised establishment of clerical officers in the Department since 1932 has been 230. The number of established officers actually serving is 192, and in addition 18 S-class clerks and one temporary clerk perform routine work appropriate to junior members of the clerical grade. Looking to the fluctuations that have occurred in the volume of certain blocks of work of a temporary nature in the Department, it has so far been considered desirable to maintain a reasonable margin between the authorised and actual establishments in order to avoid redundancy. An increase in the number of established clerical officers is, however, contemplated in connection with developments in the Housing Division of the Department and the claims of S-class clerks for promotion will receive consideration along with the claims of other eligible officers. In these circumstances, I do not think that a meeting such as is suggested is necessary meantime.