HC Deb 09 July 1947 vol 439 cc2211-2
55. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent have West and East African ex-Service men been placed in jobs where they can usefully employ the training and experience they gained during their military service; and whether agencies or departments exist in all African Colonies whose function it is to make the best possible use of the qualifications of these ex-Service men.

Mr. Creech Jones

Resettlement machinery, usually working through the established employment exchanges or bureaux, has been set up in all African Colonies, and every effort is made to place ex-Service men seeking employment in jobs where they will make the best use of any special qualifications which they acquired during their military service. There are also supplementary postwar training schemes in operation. As regards the numbers placed in employment, I am obtaining the latest information from the Governments concerned which I will send to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Mr. Sorensen

Could my right hon. Friend say in general terms the proportion of ex-Service men? Is it very large, such as 50 per cent.?

Mr. Creech Jones

It 1s impossible to give the figure. In any case, the proportion varies from territory to territory.