HC Deb 18 January 1945 vol 407 cc341-2
3. Mr. Hewlett

asked the Minister of Labour how many disabled men have been trained for and placed in industries which are short of manpower.

Mr. Bevin

During the war 8,938 disabled men have been trained for industries requiring additional labour.

4. Mr. Hewlett

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by disabled officers in obtaining civil employment; how far his Appointments Department accepts responsibility for assisting them in their search; and whether they are granted priority of recommendation for available suitable posts.

Mr. Bevin

I am aware that disabled officers in certain cases have difficulty in obtaining civilian employment of the kind and at the salary which they require. My Appointments Department is taking special steps to assist disabled officers in obtaining either immediate employment or training and in so doing will apply the principle laid down in Section 16 of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act of giving a preference to persons handicapped by disablement who have served in the Forces.

Mr. Mainwaring

Is my right hon. Friend aware that already some of these trained men are anxiously waiting to be placed in full employment?