§ 23. Mr. WATERSONasked the Minister of Labour if he can state the number of ex-service men who have been refused employment by the employers who engaged them at the time of their joining the colours?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)I cannot give the number of such cases, but I have no reason to suppose that it is at all considerable. The fact that something like 5,250,000 of ex-service men have been re-absorbed in industry is, I think, an indication of the extent to which employers must have fulfilled their obligations towards their former employés who joined the Colours. At the same time, there are 180,801 ex-service men still registered with the employment exchanges as unemployed, and 14,897 officers and other ranks of similar educational qualifications registered with the Appointments Department as requiring employment. And to these numbers must be added those out of employment but not on our books. I can assure my hon. Friend that my Department is doing all it can to still further reduce these figures.
§ Mr. HAILWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman state the number of ex-service men who are unable to obtain employment through trade union regulations?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have said before that great trouble has been experienced in this matter, but increasing numbers are being employed.
§ Sir M. DOCKRELLWhy has there not been a King's Roll of Honour in Ireland similar to that in this country of those employers who honourably keep their engagements?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. The roll of honour is for employers who will undertake to employ as many disabled men as possible.
§ Sir M. DOCKRELLThe right hon. Gentleman must be aware—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman is making a statement.