HC Deb 26 February 1931 vol 248 cc2256-7
16. Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

asked the Minister of Labour how many employers were on the King's Roll in January, 1929, 1930, and 1931, respectively?

Miss BONDFIELD

The numbers of employers on the King's Roll were as follow: In January, 1929, 27,151, employing 381,479 disabled ex-Servicemen; in January, 1930, 26,709, employing 375,326; and in January, 1931, 25,908, employing 371,792.

Sir A. POWNALL

Can the right hon. Lady say why there has been this rather marked decrease of approximately 1,000 in the last two years?

Miss BONDFIELD

I cannot give any particular reason, except that in all probability there are a certain number who pass out and employers do not fill up the vacancies.

Sir A. POWNALL

Has every step been taken to see that the number is kept up to what it was before?

Miss BONDFIELD

Yes, certainly.

Mr. SIMMONS

Is membership of the King's Roll a condition of Government contracts?

Miss BONDFIELD

I should like notice of that question, but I believe it is.

Major COHEN

Is it not a fact that the number of disabled men employed under the King's Roll system compares very favourably, when one considers the enormous number of men out of employment.

Miss BONDFIELD

Yes, indeed it is quite a remarkable proportion.

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