4. Mr. Ballengerasked the Minister of Labour how many ex-officers are on the books of the Central Registry awaiting suitable appointments; and will he give a tabulated statement in HANSARD showing the numbers by service, ranks and age.
§ Mr. BevinI regret that the available statistics do not enable me to give the information required by my hon. Friend. I am considering whether information of this kind could be conveniently recorded in future.
Mr. BallengerCould not my right hon. Friend make further inquiries, because my information is that a considerable number of ex-officers, especially senior officers, are now being retired from the Army, and are waiting on his books, with very little hope of getting suitable employment?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir, but the hon. Gentleman has asked me for precise information, and I have said that it is not being kept in that form. I think I have met my hon. Friend in saying that I am considering whether the information can be kept in a form which will satisfy him in future.