§ 2. Captain NORTHasked the Minister of Labour the number of firms now on the King's National Roll as compared with the figures five years ago; and whether he can give any reason for the decline in the numbers of disabled ex-service men employed?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)The number of firms on the King's National Roll at the present time is 24,947, as compared with approximately 27,500 in March, 1928. The number of disabled ex-service men employed by these firms is now about 341,960 and was about 380,000 in 1928. A certain decline in the numbers is to be expected with the passage of time and the changing industrial conditions and more particularly during the period of economic depression. Nevertheless I should like to take this opportunity of re-enforcing the appeal recently made by Lord Allenby, as chairman of the King's Roll National Council, to employers to do their utmost to find or to maintain employment for these men even at this moment of exceptional difficulty.
§ Mr. PIKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain firms on the King's Roll are discharging ex-service men, and putting in their places men who have had no connection with the Service?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo, Sir; I am not aware of that. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the rule is that a certain per- 1152 centage of ex-service men should be employed, and as far as I know that is the case.
§ Mr. PIKEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the matter if I put the necessary facts before him?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONYes.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLIs it not a fact that the figures to which my right hon. Friend refers include only those of firms who fulfil the qualification that the Roll is based on disability, which must be supported by a disability pension?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI think that that is so.