§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that four able-bodied men have been engaged as watchmen at Beachley, near Chepstow, when disabled ex-service men, capable of performing the duties, have applied for the positions of watchmen, and have been refused; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made, so that unemployed ex-service men may be given preference for this class of work?
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§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have ascertained that the appointments in question were not made by the Ministry of Labour, but by the local Disposals Board officer, who explains that all the men in question are ex-service men though able-bodied, and that the work entailed requires men to be physically fit, as they have to walk from 15 to 18 miles a day over an area of 470 acres.