§ 48. Major HILLSasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Edinburgh Branch of his Department recently refused the suggestion of the Ministry of Labour that it should supply an expert ex-Service woman to fill a temporary vacancy, and that, consequently, the Labour Ministry had to supply an ex-Service youth of 23 years of age of the name of Lipetz, and of Russian parentage, this boy not having been a pre-War typist, but having had only six months' clerical experience in 1914 with a firm which could have reinstated him; and whether he can state upon what grounds such preference is given to an ex-Service man of alien origin able to find other work over the many skilled ex-Service women of British origin out of work in Edinburgh?
§ Sir E. GEDDESIn accordance with the recommendations of the Committee of which the Eight Hon. the Earl of Lytton is Chairman, preference is given by the Ministry of Transport to ex-service men in the engagement of staff. The vacancy in question was for a temporary male clerk and the Ministry of Labour were accordingly requested by the local officer of this Ministry in Edinburgh to supply a suitable ex-service man. The selection of candidates for consideration rests with the Ministry of Labour. It is understood that Mr. Lipetz is a British subject; that he has lived in Edinburgh since early childhood, that he served throughout the War in the Scottish Horse, and that he is in receipt of a disablement pension.
§ Major HILLSIs it not a fact that Lord Lytton's Committee especially recommended that ex-service women should receive equal treatment with ex-service men?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am afraid I do not know, but this was a vacancy for an ex-service man.