HC Deb 24 July 1946 vol 426 cc19-20
26. Mr. Stanley Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give an assurance that ex-Service-men applying for appointments under his Department will in no way be prejudiced by the length of their war service.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall)

Yes Sir.

27. Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the average age of ex-Servicemen who have applied during the past six months for appointments under his Department; and what is the average age of those whose applications have been successful during the same period.

Mr. George Hall

The answer to the first part of the Question is 29; and to the second part, 30½.

Mr. Prescott

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some ex-Servicemen who desire to serve in the Colonial Office are being rejected on the ground that they are too old? If they had been able to apply within the last six months they would not have been too old. Does he not agree that that is unfair, and will he look into these cases?

Mr. Hall

If the hon. Gentleman will let me have particulars of such cases, I will certainly look into them.