§ Mr. J. Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for War what are the numbers and percentage comparisons of officers and men demobilised from the Army in the middle of 1946 and 1947, and of civilian workers discharged from all War Department establishments by the same dates, with an estimate of the position in both categories at 1st January next.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe information asked for is shown as far as is possible in the following table. I would, however, emphasise that there is not, and cannot be, any direct or simple correspondence between the number of officers and men in the Army and the number of civilian workers employed by the War Department. Civilians have had in many cases to carry out work previously performed by soldiers.
emphasise the vital importance of avoiding any form of waste. I am satisfied that there is no adequate case for appointing a special Commission of Inquiry, but, as I have always done, I shall immediately investigate any case reported by His Majesty's inspectors or members of the public.