HC Deb 24 February 1931 vol 248 c1940
31. Mr. HACKING

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any, and, if so, what, steps are taken by the War Office to obtain employment for discharged soldiers when re-entering civil life?

Mr. SHAW

The War Office is fully alive to the desirability of fitting the soldier for return to civil life and of helping him to secure employment when he does so. It is difficult to deal with this subject within the limits of an oral answer, but I am sending the right hon. Member a copy of the "Guide to Civil Employment for Regular Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen" and a pamphlet on "Army Vocational Training" which will show generally what is being done in the matter. I would add that I am personally keenly interested in the question and am always ready to consider suggestions for increasing the soldier's chances of civil employment. I hope also to refer to the subject in my speech on the introduction of Army Estimates.

Mr. HACKING

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not, when he is asking for recruits, the men are made aware of the fact that they will be helped to get civil employment when they leave the Army?

Mr. SHAW

Yes. Full particulars are given in the recruiting documents and by the recruiters, as to what is taking place and what the possibilities are?

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Has the War Office information as to the employment that is found afterwards for the ex-Service men?

Mr. SHAW

Yes. We have complete figures how the men are placed.

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