HC Deb 10 April 1946 vol 421 cc1919-20
49. Mr. Martin Lindsay

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is satisfied that the Control Commission are absorbing as many demobilised unemployed 'ex-officers as is reasonably possible.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Lindsay

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are at the present time over 10,000 unemployed ex-officers who are eminently suited to administrative jobs such as those in the Control Commission? Will he look at this matter again and see whether it is possible to absorb any more of them?

Mr. Hynd

As I have explained, we are satisfied that the intake of officers is sufficient within the requirements of the Control Commission under the restrictions which are necessarily imposed on recruitment. It is not possible to consider absorbing into the Control Commission in Germany a further liability in the shape of 10,000 unemployed officers simply for the purpose of solving this little island of unemployment. The selection of officers for the Control Commission is based essentially upon the qualifications of the men and the jobs available, many of which require specialised industrial and technical experience.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether it will be possible to consider giving these jobs to men who are not in receipt of pensions? A great number of ex-officers are in receipt of pensions upon which they can live reasonably well: will he consider men who have given service in both wars and have no pension?

Mr. Hynd

In view of the commitments we have in Germany already, the first and probably the only consideration must be the suitability of the man and economy in the appointments of such persons.