HC Deb 26 January 1937 vol 319 cc749-50
43. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for War how many individual cases have been brought to his notice of reservists who were in employment at the moment they were called up for service in Palestine, and whose employers have since refused to reinstate them?

Mr. Cooper

Only one individual case has been brought to my notice, and on my making representations to the employers concerned, work was found for the man in question who, in fact, had previously been employed in a temporary capacity.

Mr. Lyons

May we take that answer to mean that every other reservist has resumed his normal occupation?

Mr. Cooper

No, I am afraid the hon. Member cannot take that.

Mr. Lyons

If that is the case, what steps are being taken to secure the employment of these men?

Mr. Cooper

Every possible step that we can think of has been taken, and I have received every assistance from the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. Macquisten

Could not the right hon. Gentleman make an appeal to the Jewish people in this country to find employment for them as they are very grateful for what these men did in Palestine?