HC Deb 19 February 1919 vol 112 cc909-10
9. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that cases are occurring where men employed in His Majesty's dockyards previous to being called up for military service are not being taken back after demobilisation; and whether, in view of the appeals made by the Government to private employers to take back into their service men employed by them before the War, he will consider the advisability of bringing His Majesty's dockyards into line with this policy and issue Regulations to that effect?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I had better read the Admiralty Order on the matter. Men who have been released from their employment in His Majesty's dockyards or other naval establishments for military service, and who have been allowed civil pay whilst on such service, are in all cases to be permitted to rejoin the dockyards or other naval establishments in their former civil capacities, without medical examination, partially incapacitated during their military duties. Such of these workmen as may have been wounded or been otherwise partially incapacitated, during their military service are to be employed to the best advantage, having regard to their qualifications and physical condition. Where considered necessary, medical examination should take place after they rejoin for the purpose of determining what work they are capable of doing, and in any cases in which it may be impossible to find employment of a kind of which men are capable, full particulars should be reported to the Admiralty with superannuation forms.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean the House to understand that men who have volunteered under Lord Derby's Act, and went out to the War with the permission of their superiors, are not to be taken back into the yards?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No. "Men who have been released from their employment are in all cases permitted" If the hon. Gentleman will read the answer and put another question, I shall be glad to answer.