§ 78. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received a report stating that within the past few weeks 40 Class A Reserve men, who were called up to proceed to Shanghai for service with the defence force, have returned to their homes in Bristol and that 34 out of the 40 are out of work; and what steps he is taking to deal with this situation?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Commodore Douglas King)I have no information regarding the first part of the question. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer to the replies given to the hon. Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) and the hon. Member for the Govan Division of Glasgow (Mr. Maclean) on the 8th and 10th November, and I would add that every effort is being made by the local branches of the National Association for the Employment of Regular Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen and by the Incorporated Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society to obtain employment for Section A Reservists on their return from China.
§ Mr. BAKERMay I ask whether the hon. and gallant Member will cause inquiries to be made in order that his Department may be fully informed?
§ Commodore KINGYes, we are in close touch with all the local branches of these associations and are doing everything we can to find these men employment.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONMay I ask whether it is a matter of indifference to the War Office what becomes of these men after they have served their purpose?
§ Commodore KINGThe House will realise from my reply that we are doing everything possible to obtain employment for these men.
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes not the hon. and gallant Member think the former employers of these men are lacking in patriotism in not taking them back after having served their country?
§ Commodore KINGThe Secretary of State for War has made several public appeals to employers, to which I hope they will respond.