HC Deb 21 October 1918 vol 110 cc424-5
36. Mr. HAZLETON

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is taking any steps authoritatively to mobilise employers for the purpose of finding employment for disabled men after the War; and, if so, how does he propose to do it?

Mr. HODGE

I am taking active steps, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, to secure the re-employment of disabled men. I have circularised all local authorities, inviting them to agree to definite arrangements to give a preference, as far as possible, to disabled men in the local public service, and I have approached the large public corporations connected with tramway undertakings and with water, gas and electricity supply with the same object. In both directions my appeal has met with a ready response. As regards trade and industry at large, certain proposals to provide for the general re-employment of disabled men are under my personal consideration and that of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, and I hope that a definite con-elusion will now be reached very shortly.

37. Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the unsatisfactory character of the arrangements now in existence for finding employment for ex-officers, he will set up, in connection with the local committees, special ex-officers' branches, with executive powers, whore ex-officers and their dependants may be dealt with on the spot on similar lines as are now available for the men?

Mr. HODGE

I do not agree with the view that the arrangements now in existence for finding employment for ex-officers are unsatisfactory, but they are possibly not so well known as they should be. The functions of the Ministry of Pensions in this matter are carried out in co-operation with, and through the medium of, the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour, which was instituted primarily for this purpose. That Department has a complete organisation of centres throughout the country and a thorough system of transmitting information as to applicants and vacancies. Officers applying to the Ministry of Pensions are put in touch with this organisation, and, furthermore, for some time past officers on retiring have been given by the Admiralty or War Office a form to enable them to apply to the nearest local director of the Appointments Department. Ex-officers and their dependants can always obtain information on questions affecting them by referring to the Ministry of Pensions, and I am certainly not in favour of setting up additional local bodies to deal with such questions.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many posts the Ministry of Pensions have found for ex-officers?

Mr. HODGE

I cannot say, but my hon. Friend can put a question down.

Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMS

Are any funds provided for the purpose of advertising this new Department and issuing notices to the public; if so, how much?

Mr. HODGE

That is a question within the usual administrative functions of the Department.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Is there any pamphlet or guide book issued to inform officers as to what is available for them—what training, treatment, and employment?

Mr. HODGE

Small booklets are issued containing that information.

Colonel YATE

Are these provided in the hospitals where the officers are?

Mr. HOGGE

No!

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Would it not be useful to have these pamphlets together in one book?

Mr. HODGE

No. If that were the case I do not think they would be read.

Colonel YATE

Are they provided for the hospitals?