§ 71. Sir A. KNOXasked the Minister of Labour whether he will stop open recruitment for the staff of the Employment Exchanges, of the headquarter office of his Ministry in London, and of the claims and record office at Kew, till the 1,500 temporary ex-service clerks recently discharged on redundancy have been absorbed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)No. Sir. Special care is taken to safeguard the legitimate expectations of ex-service men for retention in employment, and I may point out that during the past year upwards of 2,000 members of the temporary staff have received permanent appointments in the Department; but my right hon. Friend is satisfied that it would not be in the public interest to dispense with the small measure of recruitment by open examination, which is all that is taking place.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs it not true that 115 boys and girls are being taken into the Ministry now while a large number of ex-service men are being turned off?
§ Mr. HUDSONThe number whom we are prepared to take, from open examination for clerical appointments, is 15 for the Treasury class and 100 for the Departmental class. These will not replace the class of men to whom the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers.
§ Sir A. KNOXWhy can you not take on ex-service men?