HC Deb 12 June 1940 vol 361 cc1272-3W
Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether it has been possible to reduce the staff of his Ministry as a consequence of the changed position in Norway, Holland and Belgium; and whether he will arrange for an immediate inquiry into the staffing position created by the new situation, with a view to enabling any staffs now redundant to be more usefully employed elsewhere?

Mr. Dalton

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 4th June to a Question by the hon. Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Culver well), of which I enclose a copy. Since 1st June the staff of the Ministry has decreased by 71, and further reductions are in contemplation. I am glad to say that it has also been found possible to reduce the very heavy overtime which has hitherto been worked over a considerable period. The new situation in Norway, Holland and Belgium has, of course, been one factor tending to facilitate a reduction of staff.