HC Deb 08 May 1947 vol 437 c804
48. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-officers and other ranks were registered as unemployed at the latest convenient date.

Mr. Isaacs

The numbers of ex-Service men and women registered as unemployed at 14th April were 70,024 and 4,600 respectively, of whom 6,816 and 213 were exofficers registered with the Appointments Department. Separate figures for officers registered at employment exchanges are not available.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making special arrangements so that these men can be given the opportunity to go back into the fighting Services if they should so desire? I am sure that many of them would do that if arrangements were made.

Mr. Isaacs

I am not sure whether such an arrangement is within my scope. I think the object which the hon. and gallant Member has in mind is worthy of examination, and I will take the matter up.