27. Mr. T. WILSONasked the Minister of Munitions whether men of military age, both married and single, who have been on the staff of firms that have been carrying out work for the Government are now being given employment in his Department; and, if so, whether he is aware that men over military age who have recently applied for employment in his Department have been told that there were no vacancies; and whether, in view of this, he will give instructions that men of military age shall not be given employment so long as there are men over that age who are qualified to perform the work available?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MUNITIONS DEPARTMENT (Dr. Addison)No men who are eligible for military service are engaged by the Ministry of Munitions, unless they possess essential qualifications which cannot be found amongst candidates not qualified for military service.
Mr. WILSONIs it not a fact that the Munitions Department is taking over members of the staff of firms who have been doing work for the Government?
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it the case that there are 1,100 single men of military age employed in the Ministry of Munitions?
§ Dr. ADDISONNo.