§ Sir Smedley Crookeasked the Minister of Labour whether he will extend the scheme of the King's National Roll so as to include the disabled ex-Service men of the present war?
§ Mr. AsshetonAny proposal to amend the King's Roll Scheme raises questions such as the inclusion of women from the three fighting Services and the extension of the scheme to men and women from the Merchant Navy and the various Civil Defence Services, both whole-time and part-time, and also the position of civilian air raid victims. At the present stage of the war it is not possible to reach a decision as to the future scope of the scheme. My right hon. Friend has therefore come to the conclusion that the King's Roll Scheme should continue on its present lines and in this he is supported by the views expressed by the National Council at its meeting on 27th May. I may add, however, that local King's Roll Committees have been given discretion to reduce the percentage required for enrolment in cases where employers are willing to engage ex-Service men disabled in the present war.