§ SIR SAMUEL SCOTTI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the appointment to permanent messenger ships at Government offices of men who have had no previous occupation, he will 176 take steps to secure a larger number of such appointments in the future for ex-soldiers and ex-sailors of good character, a large number of whom are unemployed.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe hon. Member, I presume, means no previous occupation in the public service.
§ SIR SAMUEL SCOTTNo.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThen I do not quite understand the Question. I do not think anyone would put into the Government services men who previously had had no occupation at all. At any rate I do not see that I can give him any pledge of the kind for which he asks. All I can say is that due regard will be paid to the qualifications of the men appointed to the posts in question.
§ SIR SAMUEL SCOTTBut the Patronage Secretary in answer to a Question as to appointments of messengers gave the occupations of some and stated that two of the men appointed had not had previous occupations.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANHe must have meant in the public service.
§ SIR SAMUEL SCOTTNo; because—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order
§ VISCOUNT TURNOURasked if the right hon. Gentleman would bear in mind the recommendation of a Committee that ex-soldiers and sailors should be given the appointments?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANA good deal is being done in that direction. I do not think we can go any further at present.