Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL (by Private Notice)asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the activities of the Emergency Committee for the assistance of Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians in distress; if he has any knowledge of the nationality of those who are giving financial support to an organisation which is occupied in finding employment in this country for enemy aliens to the exclusion of ex-Service men who are out of work; and if it is the case that this Committee have succeeded in finding jobs for some of these aliens with employers who have conscientious scruples against engaging men who have been, crippled in the War; and, if so, whether the Government will take stops to prevent a society of this kind working against the interests of the men who have sacrificed themselves in the defence of this country?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)I am aware of the existence of this Committee and of the work it has done during the War. In reply to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the list of subscribers 37 published in the committee's last annual report. I am not aware that the allegations in the rest of the question are correct, and, therefore, the question of taking any steps in the matter does not arise.
§ Mr. SHORTTI have not got them.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLAre we to understand that the Government are unmindful of the necessity of finding jobs for ex-Service men, and does the right hon. Gentleman think it is advisable that this society, which is finding jobs for our former enemy aliens, should continue?
§ Mr. SHORTTMy hon. Friend must not -imagine anything of the sort, and his -question is a very serious reflection on British employers of labour.