Mr. CAWLEYasked whether any measures are being taken to regulate work on Government works with a view to giving a maximum of employment in times of general unemployment?
Mr. DUDLEY WARDSo far as is possible, with due regard to the works to be undertaken, and to the funds at his disposal, the First Commissioner allots the work of his Department in the manner indicated in the question.
§ Colonel GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENasked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether there is an age limit of thirty-nine for appointments of technical assistants for furniture in the supplies division, but that persons who have served in the Navy or Army or Civil Service may, in reckoning their age, deduct any time during which they may have so served; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of applying the same rule to competent candidates who have served in the Special Reserve or Territorial Army?
Mr. DUDLEY WARDThe limits of age for these appointments are from twenty-three years to thirty-five years, with the privilege mentioned in the question. This privilege is extended to persons who may be serving, or who may have served, in the Militia, the Imperial Yeomanry, the Honourable Artillery Company, or the Volunteers, who may deduct from their actual age any time spent on actual military service, such time being reckoned by the number of days for which they received Army pay. Any further modification of age limits would be a matter for the consideration of the Treasury and the Civil Service Commissioners.