asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any steps are being taken to reorganise the attendance staff at Somerset House; and, if so, what steps are being taken to preserve the status and conditions of the present holders of attendant posts in that Department?

The question is under consideration whether the duties of protection of Somerset House at night, which are performed by staff of the Inland Revenue, should be undertaken in future by His Majesty's Office of Works. The Inland Revenue staff concerned are unestablished men, recruited normally from police pensioners upon a weekly engagement. In the event of the transfer being made, it is proposed to offer employment under the Office of Works so far as possible to men becoming redundant.

Has this matter had any consideration from the General Industrial Council?

I could not say without notice.