HC Deb 09 December 1929 vol 233 cc71-2W
Mr. HASLAM

asked the First Commissioner of Works what are the existing arrangements for the employment of ex-service men in works carried out under his Department, and what is the proportion of such men employed?

Mr. LANSBURY

So far as directly employed staff is concerned, preference in employment is always given to ex-service men. On 1st October last, the male non-industrial staff numbered 2,341, and of these 1,669 (71 per cent.) were ex-service men, 482 of them being disabled. On the same date, the male industrial staff numbered 3,332, and, though it is not possible to keep an exact record of the ex-service men in this category, there is every reason to believe that the proportion is actually bigger than in the non-industrial staff. In accordance with the Resolution passed in both Houses of Parliament on 16th February, 1926, contracts are confined, save in exceptional circumstances, to employers enrolled on the King's National Roll.