§ 8. Viscount CURZONasked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men 2131 have now applied under the Government scheme for employment in the building trades; how many are now employed; what is the attitude of the trade unions concerned; and whether he is satisfied that all Government Departments are assisting the scheme to the utmost?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is impossible at the moment for me to give more detailed figures than I gave to my Noble and gallant Friend last week, but he will be glad to hear that it has been decided that as from 1st September next contracts for the Government on which bricklayers, plasterers, slaters and tilers are employed will be let, save in exceptional circumstances, only on condition that the contractor is employing ex-service men in accordance with the conditions of the scheme. Furthermore, every effort is being made by all the Government Departments concerned to ensure that a proper proportion of ex-service men are taken on and employed on existing contracts. The attitude of the trade unions concerned in the majority of cases is unfriendly.
§ Colonel Sir C. YATEIs there any reason why this new scheme could not come into force before the 1st September?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI thought myself that it was a rather long delay, but there are difficulties in the way.
§ Viscount CURZONMay we hope for better things as far as ex-service men are concerned under this scheme in future?
§ Dr. MACNAMARABoth my hon. Friend and myself hope that we may be able to get ahead.