HC Deb 28 October 1952 vol 505 cc197-8W
91. Sir H. Williams

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the number of assistant secretaries in the Treasury has increased from 2 in 1951–52 to 3 in 1952–53.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The number of assistant secretaries provided for in Subhead A of the Treasury Estimate for 1951–52 was 50 and for 1952–53 was 46. These numbers include those serving as overseas representatives.

94. Mr. C. S. Taylor

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the number of persons engaged in the door-keeping services in Section 11 of the Treasury Estimates has increased from 23 in 1951–52 to 30 in 1952–53.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Partly because there are more doors to look after. One entrance in the new public offices previously in charge of Air Ministry constabulary is now the responsibility of the Treasury. The remaining increase is due to re-organisation, and to an alteration in the length of shifts.

95. Mr. C. S. Taylor

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the numbers engaged in secretarial and clerical assistance in the private offices of the Treasury has increased from 47 in 1951–52 to 53 in 1952–53: and what is a private office in a Department of State.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The number at present in post is 46—a reduction of one. The increased provision in this year's Estimate was made to allow for temporary assistance at No. 10 Downing Street which has since been discontinued.

"Private office" is a collective term used to describe a Minister's private secretary and his (or her) assistants.

96. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the number of executive officers in the Treasury in Section 11 of the Treasury Estimates has increased from 71 in 1951–52 to 81 in 1952–53.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The increase in the Estimates to which my hon. Friend refers is part of a general operation involving the replacement of a number of administrative by executive staff. As a result of the reductions in staff effected by my right hon. Friend the combined total of administrative and executive staff now is 9 fewer than the provision in the 1951–52 Estimate.