§ 18. Major COHENasked the Minister of Transport how many men are employed on road maintenance work; what percentage of that number are ex-service men; and whether, in making grants for this purpose, he will stipulate that a certain percentage of ex-service men must be employed?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThere are more than 2,000 local authorities responsible for road maintenance, and I have no record of the varying numbers of men they employ from time to time. As regards the last part of the question, while I have every sympathy with my hon. and gallant Friend's desire to assist ex-service men, I do not think I should be justified in interfering with the discretion of the local authorities who, I am sure, are not unmindful of the point.
§ Mr. FENBYHas the Minister knowledge of any contracts entered into by local authorities for schemes towards the cost of which his Department is contributing where any men recently working as agricultural workers are being employed by the contractors?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat does not arise out of the question. These are ex-service men.
§ Major COHENMay I point out that the question dealt with road maintenance work, and not with road maintenance. If the Minister lends money for this work, is he not in a position to stipulate conditions, and could he not say that a certain number of ex-service men must be employed?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI contribute a portion of the money, and I suppose I could make it a condition of the grant, but, as I have stated in the answer, I am not disposed to admit that local authorities are unmindful of the claims of ex-service men.
§ Major COHENIs the right hon. Gentleman not in possession of some sort of information on the subject? If he is satisfied, I take it that he has assured himself that a certain number of ex-service men are being employed?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf my hon. and gallant Friend can give me information of any cases where he thinks ex-service men have been badly treated, I will look into the matter.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYis the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that local authorities would take it amiss if he drew their attention to the number of ex-service men who are out of work and who would be available?
§ 19. Major COHENasked the Minister of Transport how many men are employed on arterial road making, and what percentage of that number are ex-service men?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo separate records are kept showing the number of men engaged on the construction of arterial roads, but according to returns received, 11,469 men were employed on the 26th November, 1927, on major schemes of road improvement and construction approved by the Ministry of Transport for grants from the Road Fund.