§ MR. T. F. RICHARDS (Wolverhampton, W.)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, owing to the amount of distress in the country and the dearth of situations, he will take steps to secure in the various Government Departments that pensioners should not have preference above those who have neither income nor employment.
§ MR. ASQUITHSo far as I am aware the only pensioners to whom any pre- 1242 ference is given in selecting candidates for appointments in the public service are those who have served in the Army, Navy, or police; and I do not think that it would be advisable to interfere with the existing practice as regards these classes.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN (Worcestershire, E.)Has any new Order been issued by the Treasury on the subject applicable to the Customs?
§ MR. ASQUITHPersonally, I know nothing about it. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will give notice.