§ Mr. GILBERTasked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the case of a young man who states that he travelled 7,000 miles to help in munition making, and that he spent two years at the Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute, Bombay, in learning to be an engineer, but that on applying to a London Labour Exchange was unable to obtain any assistance in securing employment; and, if so, what action he proposes to take to utilise this man's services?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy attention has been called to the case referred to by my hon. Friend. The facts are that the man in question applied at the Exchange on the afternoon of the 24th January, and was registered in the usual way. It was recognised that it would not be easy to find employment for him, as he had served only as a part-time student in Bombay, taking a course of carpentering, foundry work, smithy work, and turning. He was,1914W nevertheless, invited to call at the Exchange on the following morning, and was informed that his name would be submitted to one of the large armament firms. He did not, however, call at the Exchange until the 31st January. His name was then submitted to, and he was interviewed by, a representative of the firm above referred to, who decided that he did not possess sufficient experience. He reported this result to the Exchange, which then communicated with the Acton Exchange. On the following morning the Acton Exchange found employment for him with a large firm of engineers. The man expressly asked the officer at the Acton Exchange, to convey his thanks to the London Exchange for their assistance in finding employment for him. I am glad to have this opportunity of giving the real facts of this case.