§ MR. REGINALD LUCAS (Portsmouth)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the effect occasioned at Portsmouth by the discharge of civilians in the employment of the War Office, many of whom have had upwards of ten years service, in order to make room for old soldiers; and whether he can say to what extent this practice as laid down by the War Office is to be carried.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) The Question presumably 1032 refers to the civilians employed under the Military Works Loans. The works under these loans are reaching completion at many stations, and as a considerable amount of the work done under them is carried out by temporary employees, the services of a number of these men are no longer required. There is no question, therefore, of their being replaced by old soldiers.