HC Deb 22 November 1945 vol 416 cc591-2
48. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Minister of Labour whether employment exchanges have been particularly instructed, in selecting applicants for jobs, to see that ex-Service men are not placed at a disadvantage through lack of recent experience of civilian employment.

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir. Comprehensive instructions on the placing of ex-Service-men and women, which were issued to all local offices of my Department in June, provide that, in selecting applicants for submission to employers, ex-Servicemen are not placed at a disadvantage through lack of recent experience of civilian employment.

Sir I. Fraser

Will my right hon. Friend extend this preference particularly to men whose demobilisation is held up for a long time?

Mr. Isaacs

The preference will be utilised in all cases where it can usefully be applied.

49. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken to distinguish ex-Servicemen from others in his Ministry's register, having regard to the undertaking given by his predecessor in the Debate in this House on 16th May IO45-

Mr. Isaacs

As stated by my predecessor in the Debate to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, the existing arrangements enable the cards of ex-Servicemen to be picked out very easily. When ex-Servicemen are submitted for vacancies a special introduction card is used which indicates that they are ex-Servicemen.

Mr. Sunderland

Does the term "ex-Servicemen" include men who served in the 1914–18 war?

Mr. Isaacs

It says "ex-Servicemen."