HC Deb 19 March 1946 vol 420 cc1664-5
23. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-officers are on the waiting list of the Appointments Board.

Mr. Isaacs

On 11th March, 1946, 10,023 men and women ex-officers, of whom 764 were ex-Merchant Navy officers, were registered as unemployed at the offices of the Appointments Department.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Does not the Minister agree that this is a staggering figure? I appreciate the difficulty, and will he take particular note of the officers who fought in both wars, many of whom are now in their late fifties, and who are out of work, and will he do what he can to get them work either in the Colonial Office or some other Government Department?

Mr. Isaacs

I think that the House have every right to be concerned about these men, especially those who have come to the end of their career in the Services, and who have had no previous experience in industry. There are great difficulties about placing these men. We are getting good results from the employers, who are doing what they can to provide jobs for them. But many of these jobs are connected with wholesale distribution and management, and until firms can get more production going— [HON. MEMBERS:" Hear, hear."] — they cannot place them. Therefore, with the warm encouragement of hon. Gentlemen opposite, we shall do our best to improve production.

Captain Crowder

Can the Minister say what is the average salary asked for by these people when before the Appointments Board?

Mr. Isaacs

That is one of theproblems. I would not like to give an average. Some of these ex-officers have the most extravagant ideas, such as wanting £ 1,500 a year, while others are prepared to take a reasonable salary. It is those who are asking the most who are the most difficult to place.

Sir William Darling

They ought to become Members of Parliament.