HC Deb 29 June 1915 vol 72 cc1633-5
38. Mr. NEVILLE

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government offices are now engaging for Civil Service Employment men of military age and medically fit for active service?

Mr. McKENNA

So far as circumstances permit, appointments are not being made to posts in the permanent Civil Service for which the candidates would be of military age, and the open competitions for such posts have been suspended. Instructions have also been given to Departments that temporary posts should be filled either by women or by men disqualified for service with the Forces.

Mr. PRINGLE

Could my right hon. Friend say whether it is the case that his Department is refusing permission to men of military age to enlist, although their duties could be discharged by women clerks?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir; I do not think my hon. Friend is correctly informed. Government servants of military age whose services can be dispensed with are allowed to enlist.

Mr. PRINGLE

If I bring a case to my right hon. Friend's notice, will he inquire into it?

Mr. McKENNA

I will inquire into it.

Mr. THORNE

Is this not an economic form of compulsion?

Mr. McKENNA

No, there is no compulsion or refusal. It depends entirely whether the services of the Government servants are necessary to the State.

39. Mr. NEVILLE

asked the Prime Minister whether he will cause a census to be made of all Civil servants employed in Government offices of military age and medically fit for military service, with a view to ascertaining how many can be spared for active service without detriment to the public service?

Mr. McKENNA

I do not think that any very useful purpose would be achieved by the acceptance of this suggestion.

Mr. NEVILLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are not a large number of men employed in Government offices who want to join and whose services could be spared?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir, I do not think so. Generally I think a great many have enlisted now, and the number who could further be spared is probably extremely small.

Mr. NEVILLE

Would it not be a good thing if there was a list kept showing how many Civil servants had already joined?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is another question, and perhaps the hon. Member will give notice of it.