HC Deb 06 December 1949 vol 470 cc1692-4
30. Lieut-Commander Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in the latest War Office circular letter dealing with redundancy in the grades of barrack store accountants and barrack inventory accountants, the proviso safeguarding the position of unestablished employees with the requisite qualifications for appointment as laid down in Regulations for Supply, Transport and Barrack Services, 930, paragraph 71, has been omitted.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Shinwell)

The latest instructions regarding the redundancy of barrack accountants are those contained in a War Office memorandum issued in December, 1945. Under this memorandum the position of unestablished employees with the requisite qualifications for appointment, as laid down in Regulations for Supply, Transport and Barrack Service, 1930, paragraph 71, is adequately safeguarded. In considering whether these instructions require amendment I shall, of course, keep in mind the point made by the hon. and gallant Member.

31. Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for War what purpose is served in maintaining a long waiting list of Service pensioner applicants for posts as barrack store accountants and barrack inventory accountants; and whether he will end this practice, in view of the false idea which these ex-Service men may thereby receive of their prospects of employment.

Mr. Shinwell

There is little prospect of employment as barrack store and inventory accountants for the majority of candidates on the waiting list. Nevertheless, the maintenance of this list of ex-regular soldiers, with not less than 12 years' Colour Service, enables candidates to be considered for employment in their turn. The men are aware that registration on the list affords no guarantee of employment, and I do not consider that any harm is done by the continued maintenance of the list.

Lieut-Commander Hutchison

Does the Minister appreciate that no Service pensioners were taken on for either of those positions between February and November of this year, and that at the present time there are 455 on the waiting list? Is not that rather a hopeless prospect?

Mr. Shinwell

I agree that prospects are not too good but, nevertheless, there is an advantage on both sides in continuing the list.