§ 16. Sir Smedley Crookeasked the Minister of Labour how many disabled ex-Service men have been placed in employment in Government Departments or with local authorities during the past 12 months; whether he is satisfied that this number is satisfactory in view of the expansion of Government and local authority activities in connection with rearmament and Air-Raid Precautions schemes?
§ Mr. E. BrownI regret that the figures desired are not available. As regards the second part of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that every effort is made by Government Departments to engage disabled ex-Service men when suitable vacancies arise, and I have no doubt that local authorities take the same action. Local King's Roll Committees and Employment Exchanges have the question well in mind and disabled ex-Service men are submitted to Government Departments and local authorities whenever possible.
§ Mr. LipsonWould my right hon. Friend circularise Government Departments and local authorities reminding them that, in view of the desirability of younger men being called upon for some form of National Service, there should be a special opportunity for the employment of disabled ex-Service men?
§ Mr. BrownI do not think that is necessary. The records of recent years show that all the authorities are aware of and sympathetic to this.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-TroyteOther things being equal, are disabled ex-Service men given preference?