§ 36. Viscount SANDONasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make representations to West End firms to utilise disabled ex-service men in place of girls for lift and guide duties?
§ Mr. BETTERTONRepresentations have been made on various occasions to West End firms to employ disabled ex-service men by the King's Roll National Council, local King's Roll committee and by my right hon. Friend. Special attention has been directed to 2283 the possibility of employing these men on the work suggested by my Noble Friend. A large number of these firms appear on the King's National Roll, and I do not feel that I can usefully take any further steps at the moment. I hope, however, that the large retail establishments will endeavour to employ an increasing number of disabled ex-service men.
§ Viscount SANDONCan the hon. Gentleman say on what grounds the firms have hitherto refused to do it?
§ Mr. BETTERTONAs I say in my answer, my right hon. Friend has approached individual firms and associations on very many occasions, and he will continue to do so whenever opportunity arises.
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman, in making this representation, be quite certain that no war widows or children are turned out even for ex-service men?
§ Miss WILKINSONMay I ask may sex should enter into the matter at all; why should a woman be turned out in order to provide a man with a job?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThat, again, raises a large question, with which I cannot deal in reply to a question.
§ Mr. MONTAGUEWill these girls be considered as not genuinely seeking work?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThat depends on each individual case.