§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the Navy and Army Canteen Board are retaining in their employ in the Aldershot area hundreds of women in the various institutions, canteens, and coffee bars in military commands, whilst a large number of ex-Service men are unemployed in the district; and whether, in view of the fact that prior to the War men were employed on the work and that the whole of the profits of the board have been made out of men in the forces, he will give instructions that the claims of ex-Service men to employment shall have due consideration?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe work done in canteens by the women referred to is of a domestic nature, for which they are more suited than men, and it has, therefore, been decided to retain women in employment of this nature. The claims of ex-Service men for employment always receive prior consideration, and such men are given employment as suitable vacancies occur. It should be remembered, however, that with the reduction of the Army, corresponding reductions in the canteen 935W staff have to be made, and the amount of employment which the Navy and Army Canteen Board can offer is in consequence steadily decreasing.