HC Deb 02 July 1942 vol 381 cc477-8
2. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications for employment have been received by the Appointments Board from discharged Service officers; how many have been placed; and the comparative figures for each Service?

Mr. Bevin

The available statistics relate to the end of May, at which, date the new arrangements had not been in opera- tion for more than a short time. One thousand four hundred and eighteen ex-Army officers had then registered, and 117 were known to have secured employment. I have no corresponding figures for the Navy or Air Force, but the numbers concerned are certainly small.

Miss Ward

Is the Minister aware that a great deal depends on how we are able to place these officers as to the confidence which the country will have in future plans of the Government for placing people who are demobilised? Is he satisfied that the arrangements are working satisfactorily?

Mr. Bevin

I do not think they have been working long enough to become satisfactory; they are being developed. It may be that a good many of these ex-Army officers, instead of being able to find jobs at the salaries which they think they ought to have, will have to fit into industry, and re-training may be absolutely essential.