§ Mr. G. JONESasked the Secretary of State for Air what is the name of the personal assistant to the Director of Civil Aviation; whether this gentleman ever served in a unit in His Majesty's forces during the Great War; how many of those employed by the Air Ministry served in His Majesty's forces during the Great War; and whether he will see that preference is given to ex-service men in his Department when they are as efficient as non-service men?
§ Sir S. HOAREIn reply to the first two parts of the question, the official referred to is Major H. Jones, who enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps in October, 1915, was posted to the War Office, was commissioned as second-lieutenant on the general list in March, 1918, and was subsequently appointed staff captain in the Royal Air Force for personnel duties. In reply to the third part of the question, 1,042 ex-service men were employed in the Air Ministry on 1st July, 1923. In reply to the last part of the question, my hon. Friend may rest assured that the fullest possible consideration is given to the just claims of ex-service men.