HC Deb 28 October 1919 vol 120 cc454-5
16. Major HURST

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the shortage in the supply of labour available for building houses, lie will consider the expediency of demobilising all soldiers with experience as bricklayers, provided that they undertake to work in that trade immediately upon demobilisation?

Mr. FORSTER

I understand that tie Minister of Labour and the Minister of Health have put forward certain proposals affecting the building trades, but I regret that at present I cannot authorise the release of the men referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend unless their release is provided for under current instructions. As I have already stated, all men who have not undertaken to continue in the Service are now eligible for demobilisation in their turn, and will be released as early as practicable.

Major NALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are three foremen bricklayers urgently required in Manchester who are engaged in a band at Aldershot? Is it not possible to expedite their release?

Mr. FORSTER

Preferential treatment of individuals- gives rise naturally to very strong feeling in the Army. The hon. and gallant Gentleman will not forget the condition of affairs that existed at the begin- ning of this year, and he will remember we had to make very drastic changes in the system of demobilisation.

Mr. LAMBERT

Would it not be possible to give preferential release to those men who have employment waiting for them now?

Mr. FORSTER

That question has been put and answered over and over again. It was that very system that led to the difficulties which my right hon. Friend will remember in the early part of the year. We had to make very drastic and rapid changes in order to restore a feeling of satisfaction in the Army.

Mr. HOUSTON

Would it not be much better to release men who have employment waiting for them rather than discharge men who have to come on the unemployment fund?

Mr. FORSTER

No one would be more willing to do it than the Secretary of State and myself, but we have to consider the condition of the Army as well.