HC Deb 07 March 1923 vol 161 cc486-7
68. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that in England and Wales the majority, 1,371 out of 2,431, and in Scotland the great majority, 236 out of 333, of local authorities were shown in the "Labour Gazette" for January as not being on the King's Roll; and what steps he proposes to take to prevail on these local authorities to qualify for inclusion on the Roll?

Sir M. BARLOW

In the case of the smaller local authorities there is considerable difficulty in complying with the conditions for membership of the King's Roll, but when all allowance has been made for this, the position is by no means as satisfactory as it might be. I say that, frankly, the question of the further steps which should be taken with regard to local authorities generally is one which falls within the province of the King's Roll National Council, and I should, of course, consider very carefully any recommendation that the council might make on the subject.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Will my right hon. Friend give the names of the local authorities which have not subscribed to the King's Roll?

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that local authorities give work to men, not because they were in the Army but. because they are citizens, and have obligations to carry out?