§ 91. Mr. MORRISasked the Minister of Labour the number of disabled soldiers and sailors with only one arm at present registered on the books of the Labour Exchanges in London and unable to find employment; why Government Departments are unwilling to employ them on the permanent staff as messengers and in other suitable capacities; and, in particular, whether he will take steps to secure that these war heroes shall be absorbed in the Post Office telegraph service as is now done by the cable companies?
§ Mr. WARDLEWith, regard to the first part of the question it is not possible, without inquiry, to state the number of disabled sailors and soldiers with only one arm at present registered on the books of the Employment Exchanges in London and unable to find employment, but the number who have had one arm either amputated or rendered useless is 110. The whole question of the employment of disabled members of His Majesty's Forces is engaging my close attention, and I hope that a general appeal to employers, to be followed by urgent administrative action, may shortly be issued. I am not aware that Government Departments are unwilling to employ disabled men on their permanent staffs as messengers and in other suitable capacities. On the contrary, the desirability of employing such men to the fullest possible extent has already been brought to the notice of the various Departments, and, following on the appeal to which I have already referred, I am convening a conference of representatives of all the Government Departments, when, of course, the possibilities in this connection of the Post Office telegraph service will not be overlooked.
Colonel BURNWill preference be given to these disabled soldiers and sailors as messengers in Government offices?
§ Mr. WARDLEAs I have already indicated, we are calling a conference on the subject to go into the whole matter.
Colonel LOWTHERTo whom should these disabled soldiers and sailors apply, as if they write to the War Office their letters are not answered?
§ Mr. WARDLEThey should apply to the Ministry of Labour.