§ 57. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Labour how many of the 10,023 ex-officers registered as unemployed at the offices of the Appointments Department have asked the Appointments Department for a salary of £1, 500 and £1,000 per annum.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsAn analysis of the 10,502 ex-officers currently registered as unemployed at offices of the Appointments Department shows that 30 asked for a salary of £1,500 and over and 241 for a salary of £1,000 to £1,500.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyDoes the Minister consider this a very great number out of 10,023? Is he aware that out of 200 letters which I have received from ex-Servicemen, the average salary asked for was £380 per annum, and as a great number of these men are in their fifties and are now destitute, will he please overhaul the machinery and try to give these men a job of work?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsWe are extremely anxious to help these men. They are in a very difficult position, and we must appeal to industry to give us the maximum co-operation in placing them.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the Minister aware that a man in Wales recently travelled 100 miles for an interview and, on arrival, he was seen by a woman, who looked at "The Times," and who said, "I am sorry but there is nothing for you." Will he please do something about it?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI shall be very pleased to have details of that case.
§ Lieut.-Col. MackesonWill the hon. Gentleman make it possible for Members of this House to visit these offices, in view of the widespread criticism?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsWe shall be extremely glad to make arrangements. Some hon. Members have already been, and if there are any other hon. Members who desire to go they will be very welcome indeed
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity