§ 13. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that many exServicemen, particularly ex-officers, aged 45 years and over, have been unable to find employment, although demobilised more than 12 months ago; and what special steps he proposes to take to obtain employment for them.
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir. But employment can only be found for these men if employers will refrain from imposing unduly low age limits on the vacancies which they notify. To this end, advertisements have been inserted in weekly and daily newspapers calling attention to the value of the experience possessed by older men, and the advice of my Appointments Department Advisory Council has been sought.
§ Mr. CollinsWhile wishing to pay a very considerable tribute to the work of the right hon. Gentleman's Department 1703 in this matter, may I ask whether consideration has been given to the possibility of directing the attention of Government Departments to the use of these men, many of whom have high ability and considerable administrative experience?
§ Mr. IsaacsI have no information that any Government Department has imposed such a limit, and if my hon. Friend has any information of that kind, I will be glad to take the matter up.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many ex-Servicemen are unemployed at the present time?
§ Mr. IsaacsNot without notice.
§ Mr. LipsonWill the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Secretary of State for War to the undesirability of the limit which he is imposing, and ask if he cannot make it possible for many of these men who wish to do so to continue their careers in the Army?
§ Mr. IsaacsI have no doubt that the fact of the hon. Member putting that question will have its effect.