HC Deb 19 November 1936 vol 317 cc1914-5
69. Captain ARTHUR EVANS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is possible for the War Office, by arrangements with all Government Departments, to guarantee suitable employment to a large proportion of other ranks on their discharge from the Regular Army providing their service has been entirely satisfactory?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

A large number of posts in Government service are reserved to ex-members of the Regular Forces. Thus in the Post Office 50 per cent. of the appointments as postman and porter are so reserved, preference being given to ex-Regulars who enlisted on or before 11th November, 1918. So far as Government Departments generally are concerned, the whole matter was under review about seven years ago and it was laid down that, in filling posts for messengers, porters, etc., and posts in industrial establishments for which ex-Regulars possess suitable qualifications, first preference should be given to duly qualified ex-Regular sailors, soldiers and airmen. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the detailed instructions. In addition, clerical posts in various out-station establishments of the War Office and Air Ministry are reserved to ex-soldiers and ex-airmen respectively.

Captain EVANS

In view of the altered circumstances now obtaining, will my right hon. and gallant Friend consider the advisability of having this question reconsidered by the Treasury with a view to increasing the proportion and thereby facilitating and encouraging recruiting for the regular forces?

Mr. SEXTON

Will he at the same time consider increasing the wages of the en-service auxiliary postmen?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I have already answered the question as to the facts of the case and the other question put to me appears to raise a matter of policy.

Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

If it is seven years since there was an inquiry, surely it is high time to have another?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

If my hon. and gallant Friend will examine the Regulations to which I have referred, he will see what is being done by Government Departments in the employment of ex-soldiers and sailors of the Regular Army and Navy.