28. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what steps have been taken by his Department to ensure that, in view of the demand for manpower for the Services, young men of military age are not being exempted as Press officers, assistant Press officers, public relations officers and engaged on work of publicity committees, where there are older and more experienced men available?
§ Captain CrookshankI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to officials engaged on Press and public relations work in Government Departments. The question of the reservation of these officers, as of other civil servants, is kept under review by the Kennet Committee. In that con- 1342 nection I would refer him to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Deritend (Sir J. Smedley Crooke) on 3rd June.
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the very high percentage of these men who are of military age and could be serving, and is he not further aware of the enormous demand of the agricultural community for men? Does it not make an unfortunate impression if these men are exempt while other men who are wanted for work are not exempt?
§ Captain CrookshankIf my hon. Friend will refer to the reply to which I have referred him, he will see that his assumption is incorrect.
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. and gallant Friend not aware of the enormous number who ought to be serving, and does he not think it is very wrong?
§ Captain CrookshankNo, Sir, because there is no such number. Again I invite my hon. Friend to look at my answer.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsIs it necessary to employ 1,019 people at a cost of £400,000, in order to advertise Government Departments?