§ 9. Sir Smedley Crookeasked the Minister of Labour the numbers of men now employed under the King's Roll scheme; the numbers at the nearest comparative date for 1938; and whether the difference is a fair reflection of the increase in the numbers of the civilian population now employed by the Government and local authorities and on Government contracts?
§ Mr. E. BrownAs regards the first part of the question, I regret that no information is available as to the number of men now employed under the King's Roll scheme. The latest information available relates to 3rd July, 1939; at which date the number of men employed under the scheme was 327,779 as compared with 318,286 at 4th July, 1938. As regards the second part of the ques- 1374 tion, I have no doubt that the scheme has been of great value to disabled ex-service men.
§ Sir S. CrookeWill my right hon. Friend use his well-known persuasive powers to induce the King's National Roll Committees throughout the country to make a special effort to place these disabled ex-service men in work?
§ Mr. BrownWe are always doing that, and my answer shows that the scheme has had very considerable success.
§ 10. Sir S. Crookeasked the Minister of Labour the position of the King's Roll National Council and local King's Roll Committees in regard to the holding of meetings during the present emergency period; and what steps are being taken to foster the interests of men affected by the King's Roll scheme?
§ Mr. BrownThe King's Roll National Council meets at half-yearly intervals and the date of the next meeting will be fixed by the Honorary Secretary. The meetings of the local committees were temporarily suspended on the outbreak of war, but arrangements are being made for their resumption. The work of the King's Roll has, however, been carried on in the meantime in consultation as necessary with the chairmen of the local committees.