§ 47. Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Minister of Labour whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to the case of Mr. Ralph Jobling, of 7, Vincent Terrace, Annfield Plain, Durham, who was recently offered employment as a clerk at Stanley Employment Exchange, but was later turned down by the manager of the Employment Exchange on the ground that his period of Army service was not long enough?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDMr. Jobling was not offered employment but applied for it. His Army service amounted to 61 days only. In view of the number of men with longer service 420 registered at the Exchange, it was not possible to offer him employment.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAIs it the established regulation that from the applicants, men are to be given preference for service according to the length of their military service?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, Sir, but it is generally the practice to require a minimum length of service and then to take into account the qualifications of those best suited for the work.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAHas the Department ever published a regulation to the effect that a certain minimum Army service is a condition necessary for obtaining a job in an Employment Exchange?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNot that I am aware of, but I will get the information if the hon. Member wishes. On the average, we choose from among the applicants those who can show that they have had three months' military service, or over.