§ 26. Mr. RAPERasked the Minister of Labour if he will consider sending a strongly worded appeal to all commercial firms and companies employing 25 clerks and over, requesting them to increase their office staffs by the addition of one ex-service man for each 25 clerks already employed?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)My hon. and gallant Friend was so good as to make the suggestion contained in his question to me some days ago, and I at once took care that it should receive the consideration now being given to it.
Mr. RICHARDSONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider making regulations to compel private employers to reinstate ex-service men in their old employment rather than simply give it to women and temporary civil servants?
§ Dr. MACNAMARABroadly, the employers throughout the country have behaved very patriotically. They have absorbed over 5,000,000 men. It is as regards something like 250,000 that my hon. Friend is concerned. I do not think that I could at this moment suggest compulsion—so many have done so well I hope that employment may be found for these men.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that unmarried women who are dependent on their earnings will not be dismissed?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAGreat care is taken with regard to that.