§ 37. Mr. CROOKSasked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a letter from the Woolwich Branch of the National Federation of Discharged Soldiers and Sailors with regard to the discharges now taking place at Woolwich Arsenal; Whetherhis attention has been drawn to the allegation that whilst disabled ex-Service men are being discharged, temporarily engaged employés, both male and female, are being retained on light work which could be performed by disabled men; and whether he will favourably consider the request in the letter that a deputation be received to discuss the situation?
§ Mr. WARDLEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A representative deputation of the federation was received on the 11thJanuary last, and their proposals were considered by the Government, who decided that no disabled sailor or soldier employed in the State-owned factories or establishments shall, other things being equal, be discharged until after the dilutee and ex-Service man of the same class of skill. The disabled sailor or soldier will, therefore, have last priority of discharge in his class. Instructions to this effect were immediately issued to all Government establishments; and recommendations in the same sense were sent to all controlled establishments. At the same time an undertaking was given that any cases of individual hardship that might be put forward by the federation should be inquired into. Many such cases have been and are being investigated, with the result that the Government are satisfied that the instructions are being carried out at the Arsenal and elsewhere. In these circumstances I do not think it necessary to receive a further deputation.