HC Deb 01 July 1920 vol 131 cc615-6
3. Mr. DONALD

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of persons employed as secretaries and clerks in local War Pensions Committees in Ireland; and how many of these are ex-service men or dependants of such?

Mr. MACPHERSON

There are 148 secretaries of local War Pensions Committees and Sub-committees in Ireland, of whom 79 are either ex-service men or the dependants of those who have served in the Forces. I have been unable to obtain the corresponding figures for clerks in the short time available, but I am making inquiries and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Colonel ASHLEY

In view of the fact that in England practically every secretary of a War Pensions Committee is an ex-service man, why cannot the same consideration be extended to ex-service men in Ireland, where men went voluntarily to fight for this country?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I think my hon. and gallant Friend will find that everything possible is being done in Ireland to appoint ex-service men to these positions, but my hon. and gallant Friend will, of course, remember that these men began their service when the War was still on, and were quite unable to serve.

Colonel ASHLEY

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to dismiss these secretaries, and put in ex-service men?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I could not say that, because that is a very difficult question. One has to consider all the circumstances in every individual case. My hon. and gallant Friend is the last person to turn out into the cold world any man who has served well in difficult circumstances.

Mr. DONALD

Is my right hon. Friend aware that only a few days ago the Minister of Labour announced in this House there were 13,316 ex-officers and other ranks with qualifications which made them eligible to fill these posts, and, while I agree with the right hon. Gentleman, yet everything is not being done for ex-service men in Ireland—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is not entitled to make a statement.

Mr. DONALD

On a point of Order. Am I not within my rights to say that ex-service men are being boycotted, and that I want the Government to do something in their behalf?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is not within his rights in making a statement at question time. He should put down a question.

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