§ 11 and 13. Mr. Everardasked the Secretary of State for War, (1) how many employés at the remount depot at Melton Mowbray are under notice to leave; and whether, in the case of those still employed, preference has been given to ex-service men and men at present serving in the Territorial Force?
(2) What steps the War Office are taking to find employment for the men discharged from the Melton Mowbray remount depot?
Mr. CooperForty-three employés at the Army Remount Depot at Melton Mowbray are under notice to leave on 31st March, 1937. Of those to be retained only two are not ex-service men. The men under notice will be given preference in filling vacancies at other military stations, and steps are being taken with a view to absorbing some of them at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Nottingham.
§ Mr. EverardMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to answer the last part of my question relating to men who are serving in the Territorial Force? Will he say whether those are to be retained and whether special steps can be taken, in view of the fact that these men are discharged just at the end of the hunting season when they cannot get any other job in their ordinary occupation?
Mr. CooperEvery effort will be made to obtain employment for them. The question of the Territorial Army did not arise as the men in question did not belong to it.
§ Mr. HardieWhy could not the Hunt keep men like this, since they depend upon them? Why could not they give them full service all the year?
§ 12. Mr. Everardasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to close down the remount depot at Melton Mowbray; and, if so, where the new remount depot will be established?
Mr. CooperThe matter is still under consideration. I will communicate with my hon. Friend when a decision is reached.