HC Deb 10 February 1937 vol 320 c386
24. Mr. Cassells

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of ex-service men now employed in the Argyll, Alexandria, Dumbartonshire; and whether he is aware that men seeking employment there are debarred employment if they profess certain political convictions?

Sir S. Hoare

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the Royal Naval Torpedo Works, Alexandria. The answer to the first part of the question is 202. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

Mr. Cassells

With regard to the right hon. Gentleman's answer to the second part of my question, may I take it that the local manager of the Employment Exchange has unfettered discretion so far as the selection of employés is concerned?

Sir S. Hoare

Subject, of course, to the qualifications being satisfactory. There always has to be that condition.

Mr. Cassells

May we have an explanation of what is meant by "the qualifications being satisfactory"?

Sir S. Hoare

If the hon. Member will refer to an answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, of which I will send him a copy, he will find that it set out the case in detail. We have to assure ourselves that the men are satisfactory. In order that the hon. Member may have no undue anxiety, let me tell him that people's political opinions do not enter into the question.