§ Mr. Dumpletonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to re-establish in civilian life men of the British Honduras Battalion which is shortly to be disbanded.
Mr. Creech JonesNo difficulty is anticipated in resettling all demobilised men of the British Honduras Battalion. On discharge, men who have no civil employment waiting for them and require advice152W or assistance in obtaining employment, have been informed that they should apply to the Labour Officer in Belize either direct or through their Local District Commissioner. The Labour Officer keeps a register of ex-Servicemen requiring employment, and, so far as Government employment is concerned, preference is given to them in filling vacancies in Government Departments if they meet the standard required. If doubts exist as to the suitability of ex-Servicemen for Government employment, instructions have been given that they should be given trials before a final decision is reached. If it should become necessary to reduce the size of working gangs, ex-Servicemen are to be retained to the last if their work is satisfactory.