HC Deb 05 March 1924 vol 170 cc1371-2
54. Mr. McENTEE

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that during the past three years the Government have not only not given preference to disabled ex-service men but have refused to employ them at all unless they were employed before 1921; whether this is the policy of the present Government; and whether consideration will be given to the advisability of making maintenance grants to unemployed disabled men who are registered at the Appointments Department, Clement's Inn, until employment is found for them?

Mr. GRAHAM

I think that my hon. Friend has been misinformed. That a considerable degree of preference has been accorded to disabled men is evident from the figures given in the periodical White Paper, which show that on the 1st January last nearly 15 per cent. of the total staffs of Government Departments, including the permanent and the female staffs, consisted of disabled ex-service men. As regards the relative desirability, other things being equal, of offering reemployment to the ex-service men who are already employed temporarily in Government Departments, and whose previous work has come to an end, or engaging fresh ex-service men who may be disabled, I see no reason, as at present advised, to depart from the recommendation in paragraph 18 of the First Interim Report of the Lytton Committee. I regret to be unable to adopt the suggestion in the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

64. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now see his way to receive a joint deputation representing the trainees and instructors of the Government instructional factory, Twickenham, in connection with the petition already forwarded?

Mr. SHAW

A deputation representing the trainees at Twickenham was received by the Controller of the Training Department on the 27th February, and the points at issue were discussed. I do not think any further deputation is necessary. But if my hon. Friend has any information which he wishes to put before me, I shall be glad to receive it and, if necessary, to discuss the matter with him.