§ 51. Sir S. HOAREasked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Committee to inquire into the position of ex-service men employed in temporary posts in Government offices, with a view to seeing how far preference can be given to them for permanent employment?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs indicated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 8th instant, in his reply to a question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Ealing, a Committee is being set up to consider what modifications, if any, should be made in existing arrangements for the employment of ex-service men in Government Departments. This Committee will consider the question of the conditions under which ex-service men should be given permanent posts in the Civil Service. I may add that at the examination for the new clerical class (men), which will shortly be held, it has already been decided to reserve 75 per cent. of the vacancies for ex-service candidates, if so large a proportion reach the qualifying standard.
§ Sir S. HOAREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to necessary retrenchment, a great many men are being dismissed, and could not the Committee be set up immediately? It is a matter of great urgency.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is being set up immediately.