36. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the percentage of disabled ex-service men employed in Government offices only amounts, two years after the conclusion of hostilities, to 10.50; that the percentage in the Customs and Excise is only 5.84; and whether, if the staffs of Departments are to be maintained at their present excessive figure, he will, at any rate, insist that the percentage of ex-service man shall be at least doubled within the next year?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)On the 1st October last the ratios to the total staffs of the disabled ex-service men employed in Government offices were as stated. As regards the difference between the percentage for the Department of Customs and Excise and that for Government Departments generally, I would refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich on the, 4th ultimo. The percentage of disabled ex service men employed in Government offices as a whole is already more than double that which the Government has asked employers generally to adopt in connection with the National Roll. The question of the extended employment in Government Departments of ex-service 1410 men, disabled or otherwise, is being further considered by Lord Lytton's Committee, and His Majesty's Government must await the Report of that Committee before deciding what further steps could appropriately be taken to increase the percentage of ex-service men in Government Departments.