§ Lieut. - Colonel Bromley - Davenportasked the Minister of Health the number and cost of the staff of his Department for 1928, 1938 and the present time; and whether he will give an indication of the extent to which he anticipates to reduce it in the near future.
§ Mr. BevanThe numbers of staff in my Department during the years in question were 5,370, 6,510 and 3,740, and the costs were approximately£1,570,000,£2,018,000 and£1,680,00, respectively. 139W The fall in numbers as between 1938 and today is largely represented by transfers to the Ministry of National Insurance. The duties devolving on my Department will necessitate an increase rather than a decrease of staff.