HC Deb 14 January 1913 vol 46 cc1876-7
45. Colonel YATE

asked the Prime Minister whether he will assist the volun- tary associations in approaching local authorities, public societies, and companies, etc., with the view of promoting the employment of ex-soldiers and ex-sailors of good character, by authorising the issue of a statement that could be used by the voluntary associations showing that the Postmaster-General and other Government Departments have adopted the principle of filling a moiety of all appointments, such as messengers, postmen, watchers, warders, park-keepers, attendants, porters, and similar situations, with ex-soldiers and sailors of good character, and that the extension of the principle throughout the country has his full sympathy, as an inducement to local authorities and public companies, etc., to imitate the action and policy of His Majesty's Government in this respect?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, both local authorities and private employers have full discretion in the choice of their employe, and His Majesty's Government would not feel justified in interfering with that discretion; but, as I informed him on the 11th December last, the movement for promoting the employment of ex-soldiers and ex-sailors in civil life has my full sympathy.

Sir W. BYLES

In any assistance that the right hon. Gentleman gives, will he take care that the interests of the soldiers of industry are not prejudiced?

The PRIME MINISTER

I said I was not going to interfere with the matter.