§ 19. Captain BOWYERasked the Minister of Labour if the Appointments Department and the Military Service Civil Liabilities Department are to continue to look after ex-service men; and what is his policy as regards these Departments in the future?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOf course, so long as our obligation to the ex-service men remains unrequited, we shall require machinery in order that it may be accomplished. But, again, of course, the expenditure upon official machinery must depend upon the volume of work to be accomplished; and it is certainly not prejudicial to the interests of the ex-service man to economise as closely as possible, on purely official administrative expenditure. I cannot say at the present time when it may be possible, in view of the interests involved, to dispense altogether with the machinery of the Appointments Branch or of the Civil Liabilities Department.
§ Captain BOWYERMay we take it that these two Departments will continue, as long as there is any need for them, on behalf of ex-service men?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, certainly.
§ Colonel Sir C. YATEWill the machinery of these Departments be extended to men disabled in Ireland?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have to carry out the Regulations.
§ Sir C. YATECannot you alter the Regulations?