§ 58. Major Owenasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, as the result of instructions issued by man-power boards, and Supply Ministry inspectors, men who have been discharged from His Majesty's Forces and men who are ineligible for military service are unable to obtain employment, and that officials of employment exchanges are forbidden to place these men in factories engaged on munitions, etc.; and whether he will forthwith issue directions cancelling these instructions?
The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. McCorqudale)I am not aware of any such instructions. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars, I will make inquiries.
§ Major OwenIs my hon. Friend aware that officers of employment exchanges have told me personally, when I have submitted cases of ex-Servicemen seeking employment, that they are not able to place them in aircraft and similar factories on account of the orders issued by the Man-Power Board and the Supply Ministry inspectors that all replacements in those factories must be by women, and that these men consequently are refused green cards by the exchanges in spite of the fact that work is waiting for them at these munition factories? Is this an indication of how ex-Servicemen will be treated after the war if they are now treated in this shabby fashion?
§ Mr. McCorquodaleI cannot in any way accept the allegations made by the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Major OwenThey are absolutely true.
§ Mr. BurkeWill my hon. Friend make inquiries whether men who are discharged as physically unfit are being told that they cannot have light jobs because they are reserved for women and that they must try something heavier although it is beyond their physical capacity?
§ Mr. McCorquodaleThat is another question, but I will make inquiries.