§ 68. Captain BOWYERasked the Minister of Labour how many out of all the local authorities in England and Scotland, respectively, are now upon the King's Roll; and how many of these restrict, or give a preference in letting, contracts to firms which are upon the roll?
§ Mr. SHAW1,132 local authorities in England and 141 in Scotland are on the King's Roll. The majority of local authorities not on the Roll employ only a small staff; it is therefore difficult for them to qualify for enrolment. 156 local authorities in England and 10 in Scotland restrict their contracts to firms on the King's Roll, and 190 in England and 28 in Scotland give a preference to such firms.
§ Captain BOWYERCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Ministry of Labour is doing anything and if so, what, 457 to increase the number of those local authorities who give preference?
§ Mr. SHAWThe policy of the Ministry has not been changed; it remains the policy of the late Government.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs Poplar on the roll?
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKWill the Government apply the Labour principle of work or maintenance to these ex-service men?
§ Captain BOWYERWill the right hon. Gentleman consider changing the scheme in relation to these ex-service men?