§ Mr. KENNEDYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in connection with the reduction in industrial staffs in the various Government Departments, in considering the merits of a particular case in which the man held a protection certificate during the War, any priority is given to a man who obtained the certificate through the instrumentality of the Department now employing him over a man who obtained his certificate through other sources; and, if so, the reason for this discrimination?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have been asked to reply, as it is understood that the question has special reference to the policy of the Office of Works. It is the broad policy of my Department to give employment to ex-service men wherever possible. Exempted men are retained on their merits, service with the Department during the War claiming special preference, and the only alternative would appear to he to consider the claims of ex-service men only.