§ 26. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Labour how many ex-officers of 50 years of age and over have been placed in suitable employment during the three months ended 31st March.
§ Mr. RobensStatistics of placings by age groups are not available. For the three months ended 16th April, 1951, 129 ex-Regular officers were placed in employment through the Appointments Offices.
§ Sir T. MooreWould the right hon. Gentleman say how this figure corresponds with the total number of such officers on the Ministry's books, and what prospects there are of the entire number of ex-officers being absorbed into industry?
§ Mr. RobensWe are making a very special effort to place them all because we recognise the problems in relation to ex-officers. I am not able to say, offhand, what the proportion is, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman can rest assured that everything we can do to place them will be done.
Air Commodore HarveyWill the Minister go into this matter in rather more detail? In view of the widespread shortage of personnel in industry and in Government Departments, will he try to follow up the assurances given by his right hon. Friend to the House two years ago?
§ Mr. RobensI am anxious to settle this problem, and the hon. and gallant Gentleman can rest assured that I will do everything I can to get these people placed.