§ Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are still a large number of demobilised men suitable for appointments as clerks; whether he is aware that there are many requiring such employment whose qualifications do not appear to be known at the Labour Exchanges; and whether he will take steps to see that such men of clerical experience shall be employed under Government in preference to those who have not served in the Navy and Army?
§ Sir R. HORNEThere are about 20,000 ex-Service men with clerical qualifications registered at the Employment Exchanges. I have no means of ascertaining the number of such men who are unemployed but have not registered at the Employment Exchanges; nor is it possible for me to assist them effectively unless they do so register. As regards Government employment, a definite preference is given to ex-Service men.