§ Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Works whether he has yet completed his examination into the employment of overseas staff in his Department; and whether he will now make a statement.
§ Mr. StokesI have now completed my examination of the organisation of the Middle East office of my Department in Cairo, and as a result nine officers are being withdrawn and will in future work from London. The locally engaged staff has been reduced by six. I estimate that there will be a saving of about £10,000 per annum in overseas allowances, wages, rent, etc., but against this must be offset the additional cost of travel by administering the services from London. I shall keep a careful watch on this experiment.
I have not yet completed my examination of the New Delhi office organisation. I do not propose to make any alteration at present in the organisation of services in the Far East.