§ 58. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for War what increase in the size of the War Office staff took place between 1st October, 1951, and the latest date for which figures are available; and what reduction he expects to make during the next six months.
§ Mr. HeadThe latest available strength figure is 7,464 on 1st April this year. This represents an increase of 187 over the strength on 1st October last year and is caused by increases of staff approved during 1951. The 10 per cent reduction promised in the estimates applies to the year March, 1952, to March, 1953, and has not yet overtaken the increases authorised in 1951.