HC Deb 08 February 1938 vol 331 cc848-9
59. Sir A. Knox

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the percentage of vacancies in Government Departments which have been filled by the appointment of retired ex-soldiers in each of the years 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)

I regret that I am not in a position to furnish my hon. and gallant Friend with information in the form which he desires. I am, however, circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the total non-industrial staffs employed in Government Departments and the number of ex-service men as at 1st April in the four years in question. Separate figures for ex-soldiers are not available as, in general, no distinction in the matter of candidature is made between ex-soldiers, ex-sailors and ex-airmen.

Sir A. Knox

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give any figures as to the extent to which the Government's pledge to give employment to old soldiers has been carried out? Can he not tell me the number of old soldiers who have been given appointments every year in Government offices?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will study the table, which gives information as regards ex-Service men in general, and if he has any other points which he wishes to raise, I am ready to discuss them with him.

Following is the statement:

Year. Ex-Servicemen. Total Staffs.
1934 161,500 320,200
1935 168,000 336,300
1936 171,500 349,600
1937 177,200 369,800