§ Colonel YATEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will explain why so small a percentage of ex-Service men, namely, 29.75, are employed under his Department; and whether, in view of the fact that many ex-Navy and ex-Army men are well qualified to fill such posts as attendants and messengers, etc., he will give instructions that the percentage of ex-Service men should be raised to at least 50 per cent. as soon as possible, as vacancies occur?
§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONThe percentage quoted by the hon. Member is that of the ex-service men employed by the Board of Trade as messengers in March, 1911. The percentage of such appointments made since 1906 is over 50. In filling vacancies for messengers, tape-holders, and others the applications of ex-service men are carefully considered, but I am not prepared to lay down any hard and fast rule as to the percentage to be adopted.