asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is proposed to make the financial assistant secretary responsible for the Finance Branch and the Pension Issue Office; and whether it is proposed to report any of the principal officers of the Finance Branch to the Treasury pool for employment in other branches of the Civil Service?

The responsibility for the Finance Branch (including Accounts) and the Pension Issue Office is part of the normal duties of the Financial Assistant Secretary. The question of the modifications to be made in the establishment of the Finance Branch and other headquarter branches in consequence of the general fall in the volume of work is receiving my consideration.