128. Colonel GRIFFITHSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to an appointment by the Nuneaton Board of Guardians of a young man of military age passed fit for general service for the position of rate collector, whilst an application for a discharged soldier, who before the War broke out was employed as an assistant collector, was refused; whether this is in accordance with the policy laid down that all able-bodied men should, as far as possible, join the Colours; whether he is aware that public meetings have taken place in Nuneaton to protest against such an appointment on the grounds that it is contrary to the public interests and the policy laid down by the Government; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. REA (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked by the President of the Local Government Board to answer this question. The appointment referred to is not 1542 subject to my right hon. Friend's sanction. He is, however, in communication with the guardians on the subject.