asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is proposed to reduce the Staff of the Pensions Ministry in Scotland, and, if so, by how many

It is estimated that a reduction of about 90 in the staff of the Ministry in Scotland will be necessary in the period up to the end of April next.

How many of these men are ex-soldiers

I cannot answer that question to-day, but if it be put on the Papers I will give full information

Are these cases of absolute dismissal, or are the men offered alternative employment

That question will be considered at a later stage, when the notices expire.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of staff employed in. his Department on 1st January, 1923, and 1st January, 1924

The total staff on the 1st January, 1923, was 24,740, and, on the !st January, 1924, 19,935.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many ex-service men in the Ministry have received warning notice of discharge; whether any of the men concerned are disabled; and what steps he proposes to take to retain the services of such men

Approximately 350 ex-service men in the Ministry have received warning notice of discharge. These notices expire on or before the 31st March next. A number of the men concerned are disabled, and the possibility of finding further employment for them is being explored.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider keeping on men of this character who have done good service for four years, and have proved efficient, in preference to taking on new persons

Certainly that point will be considered.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL:

Is it the fact that a considerable number of persons who did not serve in the War are still retained, while ex-service men have received notification of discharge; and are there not among them men in the first category—disabled men whom the Government have intimated that they desire their services should be retained

Will the right hon. Gentleman also take into consideration the fact that there are a good many people in this country who never have done any service—descendants of Nelson, for instance—and who are receiving large pensions

Are there any conscientious objectors still retained at the Pensions Ministry

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, will he also take into consideration the question of discharging those gentlemen who are in receipt of large pensions as well as salaries in his Department, so as to make room for some of the men who need employment

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman now give a definite promise to retain the disabled ex-service men?

As far as is consistent with the efficient discharge of the work essential to the Department, that question will certainly be taken into consideration. With regard to the point raised by the Noble Lord the Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon), if he will put his question on the Paper I will get the fullest information possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many women are under notice of discharge; and whether any notices issued to women have been postponed or cancelled.

The number of women now under notice is 317. Of these, 302 clerks in Pension Issue Office were originally placed under notice for the 31st January, but the fall in the work of the Office was not sufficient to allow of their demobilisation on that date.

Cannot the women be discharged and the services of disabled ex-service men be retained?

That question is involved in the general consideration of both the male and female staffs, and it is not one I am able to answer to-day.