HC Deb 01 April 1946 vol 421 cc811-2
27. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Supply what change has been made in his Department's previous practice of not giving redundancy notices to staff of the Department who are ex-officers of the 1914–18 war.

Mr. Wilmot

We are still honouring the pledge that ex-Servicemen of the 1914–18 war shall have preference in retention in temporary Government service, provided they are able and willing to undertake all the liabilities and responsibilities of their grade.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of two cases, particulars of which I have sent him, in which that pledge has not been honoured by the inspector of armaments?

Mr. Wilmot

I have written to the hon. Gentleman on this matter. The wartime expansion of staffs made it possible to simplify the work in some grades, but now that the staff is being cut back, members of these grades must undertake wider ranges of duties. This gentleman's experience, unfortunately, does not fit him to undertake these wider responsibilities.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does not the right hon. Gentleman's answer to my supplementary question make a farce of the whole undertaking?