HC Deb 20 March 1919 vol 113 cc2274-5W
Lieutenant-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Pensions Minister if he will state whether, in engaging men for service in his Ministry, he is reserving at least 75 per cent. of these appointments for ex- soldiers and ex-sailors; and whether he can state what percentage of the total number of men engaged by his Department since the Armistice are ex-soldiers and ex-sailors?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of an Instruction I have issued to the Department in which the principles to be followed in the recruitment of staff are explained. An announcement in similar terms will be found in the "Times" and other newspapers of this morning. Approximately 95 per cent. of the male staff engaged since the Armistice have served in the Navy or Army.

Lieutenant-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Home Secretary whether, in engaging men for service in his Department, he is reserving at least 75 per cent.of these appointments for ex-soldiers and ex-sailors and whether he can state what percentage of the total number engaged by his Department since the Armistice are ex-soldiers and ex-sailors?

Mr. SHORTT

There have been twenty-six men appointed to posts under the Home Office since 11th November, 1918. All of these men have had service in the Navy or Army.