§ 9. Mr. MASTERMANasked the Minister of Pensions whether, despite paragraph 12 of the second Interim Report of the Southborough Committee, which has 292 been adopted by the Government, ex-service men are at the present moment being dismissed from the Ministry of Pensions?
Mr. ROBERTSThe continued reduction in the work of the Ministry renders the discharge from time to time of some members of the temporary staff inevitable. In deciding upon the persons to be discharged, full regard is paid to the recommendation of the. Southborough Committee, to which the hon. Member refers, and every effort is made to provide alternative employment for efficient ex-service men. I am glad to say that our efforts in this direction have not been without success, as is evidenced by the fact that out of 246 ex-service men declared redundant since 1st July, alternative employment has up to date been found in the Department for 128, and particulars of the remainder are furnished to the Joint Substitution Board for consideration in filling vacancies in other Departments.
§ Mr. MASTERMANHave the remainder found work in other Departments?
Mr. ROBERTSNo, Sir, not at present. Of the remainder, outside the figure which I have just given, I understand that seven of them resigned on receiving notice warning them of redundancy, 41 were discharged, and 70 are still under notice.
§ Mr. MASTERMANNone of them received work in other Departments?