§ 25. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Labour if he will instruct the Appointments Department to ask all Government Departments to furnish a list of the vacancies now existing, and likely to exist, in the next 12 months which could be filled by ex-service men of the Navy and British or Indian Armies after a short preliminary training without increase in establishment?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hilton Young)I have been asked to reply. Arrangements are already in operation whereby this information is furnished to the Joint Substitution Board established under the recommendations of Lord Lytton's Committee. In view of the numbers of ex-service men temporarily employed in Government Departments who are being discharged 2174 on reduction of staffs and to whom preference is given in allocating fresh vacancies, there is little scope at present for the appointment of ex-service men not so employed.
§ Mr. HURDAre there not competitive examinations now being held, or about to be held, to bring in fresh men, when there are ex-service men who, with a little training, could well qualify for these positions?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASTBURYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that disabled ex-service men are being dismissed from Government Departments and that young men who have seen no War service are being taken on?
§ Mr. YOUNGIn reply to the, first question—I am answering on the spur of the moment and would like to have had notice—I am under a strong impression that no such examination is to be held in the immediate future. As to the second question, I am aware of no such case, and if the hon. and gallant Member will forward to me any such case of which he has information, it will be immediately inquired into.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASTBURYI am much obliged.