§ 38. Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Minister of Labour whether he will state what is the procedure adopted at the Employment Exchange, Devonport, in respect to the entry of men in His Majesty's dockyards and naval establishments; whether he will explain why it is that men who have recently signed on are selected and placed in employment in preference to those who have been on the books of the Exchange for years; whether he is aware that in some cases men have been taken from civil employment and have been placed in His Majesty's dockyard; and whether he will take steps to see that in the selection of men for His Majesty's dockyard those men who have been longest unemployed and the most distressing cases should receive due consideration?
Mr. DAVIDSONI have been asked to reply. Entries in His Majesty's Dockyards are made with due regard to the efficiency of the service. The best available men for the vacancies are entered, and, other things being equal, preference is given to men who have previously rendered satisfactory service under the Admiralty. I regret I am unable to agree with the hon. and gallant Member that the considerations advanced in the last part of the question should determine the selection of men for entry.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAIs the hon. Gentleman aware that conflicting instructions are thought to exist, owing to the fact that the Admiralty and the Ministry of Labour have to deal with this question; and will he inquire into it, because there is a great feeling of grievance?