§ 29. Mr. ALFRED DAVIES (Clitheroe)asked the Secretary for War whether any steps have been taken to ensure that the money granted for works of reconstruction for the employment of ex-service men in Ireland is expended on the work for which it was intended; whether he is aware that men of no military service have been employed on such work and that ex-service men have been discharged from the works of the Royal Dublin Society whilst a civilian was retained; and whether he will give instructions that in future preference shall be given to disabled ex-service men?
§ Mr. GILMOURAll possible steps are taken to ensure that the Funds referred to are expended on the employment of demobilised soldiers and sailors. While this is so it is occasionally necessary for special reasons to employ a man who has not served in the Forces. For example, the work of painting at the Royal Dublin Society's premises is being carried out by ex-service men, but the foreman painter who has not seen service is employed on account of his exceptional experience, no similar type of man being; available.