§ 39. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that secret instructions have been issued to the officers in control at Employment Exchanges forbidding them to suggest recruitment in the Army as suitable employment; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this handicap to recruiting?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)No, Sir. The current instructions on this point are the same as those which have been maintained by successive Ministers of Labour since 1919. The Employment Exchanges give assistance, on request, to those desiring to obtain information with regard to service in the Forces, but do not themselves act as recruiting offices.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that he has not replied to the definite allegation in the question? Can he deny that Employment Exchange officers have received definite instructions that in no circumstances are they to volunteer information as to His Majesty's Forces or to suggest to applicants for work the desirability of enlisting in His Majesty's Forces?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThe actual wording of the question is not "definite instructions" but "secret instructions." No secret instructions have been issued, but the instructions bear the same confidential nature that all others to Government employés normally do. It is quite true that the actual instructions say information is only to be supplied on request, but those instructions have been in vogue under successive Ministers of Labour.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the circular to which I refer says that in no circumstances is the Army, Navy or Air Force to be suggested to men as suitable employment?
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELWhat reason is there why recruiting posters should not be in the normal course conspicuously put up in every Employment Exchange?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADRecruiting posters are exhibited.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWas it ever intended that Employment Exchanges should be used for recruiting purposes?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI do not know about the intention. I am merely answering the question regarding instructions.