HC Deb 01 May 1928 vol 216 cc1493-4
10. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to take special measures to find employment for the 1,344 A reservists returned from China, who on a recent date were still unemployed; and, if so, what they are?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The names of those Section A reservists who are desirous of being registered for employment have been placed on the books of the organisations engaged in obtaining work for ex-soldiers, and these organisations are making special efforts on behalf of these men. The local military authorities and the Ministry of Labour have also been asked to assist. Reports show that a considerable number have obtained work.

Mr. WELLOCK

In view of the fact that hundreds of these men had jobs when they went out, and now have no jobs, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that something more should be done than actually is being done, because only a very small number are being found work by the means which he has mentioned?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I do not know whether the hon. Member really knows that hundreds of men who were in jobs are now out of jobs. Unfortunately, a great many were out of work when they were called up in the "A" Reserve, and I am glad to think that a good many have been placed in work. We are all doing our utmost to get for these men the work which they well deserve.

Mr. WELLOCK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number is over 50 per cent of the total?

Mr. DAY

Arising out of the original answer, in which the right hon. Gentleman said that a very considerable number have been found work, can he state how many have been found work?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I would not like absolutely to vouch for the figure, because the reports are not complete. I have only had reports from some sources, and those sources show that over 150 have had work; but there are other organisations besides, which have not yet reported.

Mr. HANNON

Is it not a fact that the employment exchanges throughout the country are doing their best to find employment for this particular class of ex-service men?

Mr. THURTLE

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, if these men are not found employment, working men will begin to think that patriotism does not pay?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I realise every sort of statement that can be made about the difficulty of obtaining work if you are in the Reserve.