§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if, having regard to the number of men who, when the troops are released from South Africa and China, will, for their distinguished services, have claims upon Government employment, the Treasury will direct that no post of messenger in any Government office or museum, or gatekeeper in any Government park, be filled up, except temporarily, by the appointment of any person other than a soldier or a sailor who has served with credit or distinction.
† See Debates, Vol. Ixxxix., page 1025.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)I am afraid I cannot give the undertaking asked for by my hon. and gallant friend; but as far as possible, where the Treasury is responsible, the claims of soldiers and sailors who have done meritorious service will be carefully considered.