asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many permanent officers of the Naval Ordnance Inspection Department have resigned from service in that Department since V.E.-Day.

Thirteen, Sir.

In view of the small permanent strength of the Department, does not this loss indicate the considerable dissatisfaction with the conditions of service in it?

I do not think so, because since VE-Day more people have entered than have gone out.

Do not these resignations amount to about 40 per cent. of the whole strength, and is it not really time that the position of these officers was considered?

It is being considered very carefully at the present moment.

That is all that gets done.